President Lukashenko Says Indonesia is Belarus' Main Partner in Southeast Asia

JAKARTA - The President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that Indonesia is one of his country's main partners in Southeast Asia. Therefore, Belarus wants to expand cooperation with Indonesia, not only in the field of trade, but also investment, industry, and technology transfer.

Lukashenko made the statement in a joint statement with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, July 2.

According to Lukashenko, relations between Indonesia and Belarus have developed long before this state visit. The two countries have even drawn up a roadmap or roadmap for cooperation until 2030 and have begun to realize it.

He said the various agreements reached were the first step to expanding economic relations between the two countries.

"Indonesia is one of Belarus' main partners in the Southeast Asian region. I often say that if Belarus has one friend like Indonesia, it means a lot to us," said Lukashenko.

He added that the relationship between the two countries has been established for more than 30 years since the opening of diplomatic relations in 1993. In fact, according to Lukashenko, good relations have been established since the era of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Lukashenko also emphasized that Belarus from the beginning supported Indonesia's struggle against colonialism and until now the two countries continue to support each other in various international forums.

According to Lukashenko, cooperation between Indonesia and Belarus has great prospects because both countries have complementary interests.

Belarus, said Lukashenko, is ready to share technology, industrial experience, agricultural mechanization, and to prepare experts to support Indonesia's development. He emphasized that his country is also open to developing joint ventures with local content levels in Indonesia.

In addition, Belarus hopes that relations between the two countries' peoples will be closer through discussions on visa-free facilities and increased flight connectivity in the future.

Lukashenko emphasized that there was no area that was closed to Indonesian-Belarusian cooperation, ranging from food security, industry, to high technology.

"We are a nation that knows how to appreciate friendship, and we will always remember it," he said.