75 Years Of Diplomatic Relations, French President Emmanuel Macron Planned To Visit Indonesia

Bilateral meeting of Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and French Foreign Minister Barrot. (VOI/AFI)

French President Emmanuel Macron is planned to visit Indonesia in May, as an important milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries that has been going on for 75 years.

This was said by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, when receiving his share of the European and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta on Wednesday.

In a press statement with Foreign Minister Sugiono, he said that the visit of Foreign Minister Barrot was part of preparations for President Macron's state visit to Indonesia.

"This is a 75-year milestone in diplomatic relations between Indonesia and France," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, Wednesday, March 26.

It is known that Indonesia and France have officially begun diplomatic relations since January 4, 1950.

Foreign Minister Sugiono further said this visit was used to formulate priority steps in order to improve relations between the two countries, which would also result from President Macron's state visit.

"The main focus of the cooperation that we discussed is energy, food security, defense, digital transformation, cultural relations," explained Foreign Minister Sugiono.

"We both agree that the resulting output must be something that is eligible, has an impact and involves all relevant stakeholders and also strengthens relations between the two countries," he said.

Economically, said Foreign Minister Sugiono, French investment in Indonesia is very positive with a value of up to 328 million US dollars in 2024. He believes that this can continue to be improved in various sectors.

"We both agree to encourage this increase in investment, in areas including, the latest energy, critical minerals, the creative economy, logistics and transportation, green infrastructure," explained the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

"In the field of creative and digital economy, we agreed to collaborate to create a digital economy ecosystem and also training for creative talents in this field, including in the film world," he continued.

"Hopefully there will be more enhanced cooperation in this field," he added.

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Barrot praised the solid cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, security, to the fields of culture, science and technology.

Foreign Minister Barrot said President Macron was planning to visit Indonesia at the end of May.