JAKARTA - French Republic President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening strategic relations into a global partnership in various fields with Indonesia during President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to the Elysee Palace, Paris, Thursday, May 28 local time.
In a joint statement, President Macron assessed that Indonesia is an important strategic partner for France in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Indonesia is an important strategic partner of the Indo-Pacific and I believe this is also part of Mr. Prabowo's belief," said President Macron through a statement from the BPMI Presidential Secretariat quoted by Antara, Friday, May 29.
In the field of defense and security, President Macron highlighted the close cooperation between the two countries, which was marked by the arrival of the first Rafale fighter aircraft in Indonesia. President Macron called this a tangible proof of the growing strategic relationship.
"Yesterday, the first Rafale fighter plane that had just arrived in Indonesia, which is proof of this relationship and today's discussion, this is also proof of the desire to continue to move forward in this path," he said.
President Macron also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Indonesia and France as well as the European Union.
He hopes that the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Indonesia and the European Union (YE) will be implemented soon to accelerate trade and investment flows in various strategic sectors such as transportation, health, energy transition, and defense.
President Macron also expressed his appreciation for the opening of the Indonesian market for the French dairy and beef cattle sectors.
In addition, President Macron welcomed Danantara's investment plan as part of strengthening economic relations between the two countries.
In the fields of culture and education, the two leaders also committed to deepening cooperation that had previously been strengthened through a joint declaration of a cultural strategy at Borobudur Temple in May 2025.
The cooperation covers the museum, literature, film, fashion sectors, as well as strengthening scientific, technological, and university collaboration in the French-Indonesian Innovation Year 2026.
"France wants to welcome more students, researchers, talents," said President Macron.
In discussing international issues, President Macron and President Prabowo also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, to tensions in the South China Sea and the Southeast Asian region.
President Macron paid tribute to Indonesia's position, which was considered active in promoting international peace and dialogue.
"I want to pay tribute to your very courageous position for peace in the Middle East, and also for the recognition of Palestine. I also want to pay tribute to your army's involvement in continuing to act for the peace of Lebanese sovereignty," he said.
Regarding the Southeast Asian region, President Macron emphasized that ASEAN has an important position in the Indo-Pacific strategy of France and the European Union. Therefore, France is ready to continue to work with Indonesia in facing various global and regional challenges.
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