Thank Latvian Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister Retno: We Have The Same Value And Aspirations For Global Peace And Stability

Foreign Minister Braguhe with Foreign Minister Retno. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia and Latvia share the same values and aspirations for global peace and stability, when receiving her foreign visit to Foreign Minister Baiba Bra kaline in Jakarta, Thursday.

On this occasion, the two main diplomats discussed various important issues related to bilateral cooperation in politics, economy and culture, as well as the exchange of views on the latest regional and global situation.

"Latvia is one of our largest trading partners in the Baltic area," said Foreign Minister Retno in Jakarta, Thursday, September 5.

Indonesia-Latvia trade was recorded at 83.4 million US dollars (1,285,752,780,000.) in 2023, an increase of 2.74 percent from the previous year.

"Although geographically Indonesia and Latvia are separated by distance, we have the same values and aspirations for global peace and stability, as well as the prosperity of our two nations," said Foreign Minister Retno.

In a joint press statement, it was stated that the two foreign ministers discussed the importance of strengthening and institutional cooperation between government-to-government, including between parliaments of the two countries.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister said that this inter-regular cooperation was very important and welcomed the institutional cooperation between the two countries' parliaments.

In the field of economic cooperation, the two foreign ministers agreed on the importance of resolving the Indonesia EU CEPA negotiations immediately, to increase trade between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Retno also welcomed the MoU update between KADIN and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce, hoping that business interactions could continue to be improved, especially in the field of green economy and sustainable tourism.

Next, Foreign Minister Reto also conveyed Indonesia's desire to explore cooperation in the field of education, especially for research cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Retno also hopes that Latvia can facilitate study visas for Indonesian students who will be studying in Latvia.

The potential collaboration in joint research and cooperation between universities is in the spotlight, including the ease of application submissions and visas for Indonesian students who want to study in Latvia.

It is known that Indonesia and Latvia are finalizing MoU negotiations on Cooperation in the Culture Sector, which include visual arts and performances, museums, libraries, and intangible and intangible cultural heritage.

In addition to bilateral issues, the two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on global and regional issues that are of common concern. The two Foreign Ministers also agreed on the importance of consistent enforcement of international law in handling global issues.

In addition, the Indonesian Foreign Minister expressed Indonesia's appreciation for Latvian full support for the Indonesian application to join the OECD.