Germany Is A Strategic Comprehensive Partner, Foreign Minister Sugiono: IEU-CEPA Implementation Expands Cooperation Opportunities

JAKARTA - The implementation of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) is expected to expand opportunities for cooperation between Indonesia and Germany, especially in the economic sector, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono.

This was said by Foreign Minister Sugiono when welcoming the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the German Federation Johann Wadephul at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Wednesday.

"This visit has an important meaning in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Germany which have been established since 1952," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a press statement with Foreign Minister Wadephul, Wednesday, August 20.

He explained that Indonesia's cooperation with Germany covers many things in various sectors, such as politics, defense, trade, economy, energy, the environment and socio-cultural levels, both at bilateral and multilateral levels.

"Germany is a very strategic comprehensive partner for Indonesia in the European region," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister explained that Germany is Indonesia's main trading partner and investor in Europe, with a total trade of RI-Germany last year reaching 6.15 billion US dollars, and in the same period Germany also invested in Indonesia to reach 343 million US dollars.

"We both hope that the implementation of the IEU-CEPA which is targeted for completion in 2026 will further expand cooperation opportunities, especially in the economic sector between the two countries, increasing trade and investment," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

"I also convey Indonesia's willingness and openness to invite Germany to increase investment together with Danantara in the budget sectors, such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and food security," he said.

Foreign Minister Sugiono assessed that his meeting with Foreign Minister Wadephul was productive and constructive, discussing various issues to strengthen Indonesia-German bilateral relations in various sectors.

This meeting was also used by Foreign Minister Sugiono to convey Indonesia's national priority programs in the Prabowo Subianto government, especially in the elimination of poverty and hunger.