Foreign Minister Sugiono Invites The Netherlands To Support The Indonesian Government's Priority Program

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono met Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in Den Haaq during a visit to the country on February 21-22.

Through a press release from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, Sunday, Sugiono reiterated the position of the Dutch as Indonesia's important partner in Europe.

"As a key partner in the European Union, Indonesia hopes to continue to strengthen its comprehensive partnership with the Netherlands," he said, quoted by Antara.

Sugiono explained various Indonesia's priority programs, especially in the field of food security, energy transition, downstreaming and increasing human resource capacity and inviting the Dutch to participate and support these strategic programs.

At a meeting with PM Dick Schoof, Sugiono raised the potential for cooperation to help increase the productivity of Indonesian fishermen.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands expressed their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Indonesia, especially in the business sector and expressed support for priority programs, including strengthening food security and free nutritious food.

Regarding the performance of the Indonesia-Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to evaluate the Comprehensive Partnership Implementation PLAN of Action which will end in December 2025 and formulate future strategies.

In addition to discussing bilateral issues, the two parties also discussed important issues in the region, especially regarding Ukraine, the Indo Pacific, and BRICS.

The Dutch PM underlined the need for Indonesia and the Netherlands to become a bridge between Europe and the Asia Pacific.

In line with this statement, Sugiono invited the European Union to increase its presence in the Indo Pacific, especially in the economic field for the creation of balance and prosperity in the region.

Regarding Indonesia's membership in BRICS, Sugiono explained Indonesia's hope to become a bridge between developing countries and developed countries, as well as between BRICS and Southeast Asia.

After making a visit to the Netherlands, the Foreign Minister will depart for Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the 58th High Level Session of the Human Rights Council and the Weapons Extension Conference.