Indonesian Foreign Ministers And Uruguay Encourage The Acceleration Of Indonesia-Mercosur CEPA Negotiations

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono's meeting with Uruguay Foreign Minister Omar Paganini. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Sugiono, held a bilateral meeting with Uruguay Foreign Minister Omar Paganini, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

It was recorded that in 2020 2022, Indonesia-Uruguay bilateral trade grew significantly from 44.8 million US dollars to 81.5 million US dollars, up almost double.

Gina opens wider opportunities for economic cooperation, Indonesia asks for Uruguay's support to accelerate Indonesia-Mercosur Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)'s inaugural negotiations.

"As the host of the Mercosur organization and at his position as the current Pro-Corruption President, Uruguay's role is very important in supporting the realization of Indonesia-Mercosur CEPA," said Foreign Minister Sugiono in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monday, November 18.

On the same occasion, the two foreign ministers also discussed opportunities for renewable energy cooperation, especially wind, water and biomas.

More than 90 percent of Uruguay's electricity is generated from renewable energy, making it one of the global key players on the issue of energy transition.

Meanwhile, in the food security sector, Indonesia encourages cooperation in the exchange of experts and experience in agriculture and livestock.

In particular, Indonesia also encourages cooperation in the food estate sector, rice and beef, chicken, fish and dairy products to support national priority programs.

On the other hand, Uruguay hopes for support for halal certification and is ready to supply beef to Indonesia. The two countries recently agreed on the MoU for Halal Product Guarantee.

"Hopefully this collaboration will encourage exports of high-quality halal beef and sheep from Uruguay to Indonesia, and support Indonesia's food security," explained Foreign Minister Sugiono.

On the same occasion, the Government of Indonesia appreciated the support of the Uruguayan Government and the Indonesian Honorary Consul in Montevideo for the assistance provided to Indonesian citizens.

It is known, there are around 800 - 1000 Indonesian citizens who stop in Uruguay every year, the majority work as crew members.