Indonesia-Thailand Holds 10th JCM, Foreign Minister Sugiono: New Foundation For Stronger And Strategic Relations

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono praised the 10th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCM) of the two countries in Bangkok on Friday as a new foundation for stronger, wider and strategic relations.

Foreign Minister Sugiono led the 10th JCM event with his team of Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

"Today's meeting laid a new foundation for relations between Indonesia and Thailand that are stronger, wider and strategic," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday, May 2 evening.

One of the main achievements of this meeting is the principle agreement to improve relations between the two countries to the Strategic Partnership level.

"This step reflects our closer bilateral relationship, as well as a common vision to contribute more to the region," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

As a follow-up, Indonesia and Thailand agreed to form a Joint Working Team to develop a strategic partnership roadmap (Strategic Partnership Roadmap), as well as identify priority sectors that will become concrete deliverables on the next high-level visit.

In the economic sector, the two countries agreed to expand market access for Indonesian products, including the agricultural, fisheries, and MSME sectors, as well as encourage new cooperation in the field of green energy transition.

At this meeting, Foreign Minister Sugiono also welcomed the interest of Thai investors to collaborate with several Indonesian strategic companies.

Furthermore, the issue of protecting Indonesian citizens is also a concern. The two countries affirm their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the prevention and enforcement of criminal acts of trafficking in persons (TPPO), as well as protecting citizens.

"I appreciate the support of the Thai government in the repatriation of Indonesian citizens who were victims of trafficking. We must continue to strengthen collaboration to eradicate this transnational crime," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

In addition to bilateral issues, Foreign Minister Sugiono and Foreign Minister Sangiampongsa also exchanged views on various regional and global issues, including developments in Palestine and strengthening the role of ASEAN in maintaining regional stability, including ensuring peace in Myanmar.

It is known that the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) is a bilateral forum at the Minister of Foreign Affairs level to discuss the progress of Indonesia's cooperation in various fields.

The last meeting (9th JCM) was held in 2018 in Indonesia. The 10th JCM meeting coincided with the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Thailand (since March 7, 1950), and became an important platform to encourage strengthening bilateral relations and regional and global collaboration.