Indonesia And Ecuador Have Joint Interests In Encouraging Marine Biodiversity Research

Foreign Minister Sugiono when he met Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Ecuador as countries directly adjacent to the Pacific Ocean have an interest in encouraging research to protect the ecosystem, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono.

This was discussed by Foreign Minister Sugiono when meeting with his team Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld on the sidelines of the High Level Week of the 80th General Assembly (SMU) of the United Nations in New York, United States on Thursday local time.

On this occasion, Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted the opportunity to strengthen marine research cooperation, especially regarding Pacific biodiversity.

"As two countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, we have a common interest in encouraging marine biodiversity research and cooperation in protecting the maritime ecosystem," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, launching a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday, September 26.

This meeting marks the close partnership between the two countries which has been going on for 45 years. The two Foreign Ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fields of trade, sustainable development, science, technology, and culture.

"Over the last 45 years, Indonesia and Ecuador have become strong partners in advancing common interests, including in the fields of economics, IPTEK, and culture," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

At the end of the meeting, the two diplomats of each country signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Diplomatic Capacity Building, which will become a new basis for strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding development cooperation spaces in various fields.