Indonesia Plans To Build Cybersecurity Cooperation And Vaccine Production With Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of New Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi discussed President Vladimir Putin's planned visit to the COVID-19 vaccine cooperation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Tuesday, July 6.

During this visit, Foreign Minister Lavrov also attended the 25th anniversary meeting of the ASEAN-Russia partnership, which is planned to be held this evening.

"Russia is one of the most important partners for Indonesia, especially in Eastern and Central Europe", said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in a virtual press statement after the meeting.

Foreign Minister Retno further explained that her party together with Foreign Minister Lavrov continued to discuss plans for the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Indonesia. In which, it is hoped that Indonesia and Russia will sign a strategic partnership agreement.

"This agreement will create a new and strong foundation to improve relations between the two countries", said Foreign Minister Retno.

Meanwhile, in a bilateral meeting today, Foreign Minister Retno and Foreign Minister Lavrov signed a Consultation Plan between the two Foreign Ministries for the period 2021–2023.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs))

In particular, the two foreign ministers discussed four areas of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Russia, including cooperation in health, trade, and investment, education, and security.

"In the meeting, we discussed how we can strengthen short-term and long-term cooperation. In the short term, of course, the issue of procuring vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics remains a priority", said Foreign Minister Retno.

"For the long term, including plans to jointly produce vaccines between Indonesia and Russia. This cooperation will be strengthened by the MoU on Health Cooperation between the two countries which is being finalized", continued Foreign Minister Retno.

Last month, the Head of the Indonesian Food Service and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) visited Russia to directly inspect the production facility for the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.

In the field of trade and investment, Indonesia and Russia, which have a trade target of 5 billion USD by 2020 but have not yet been met, have agreed to strengthen commitments and increase mutually beneficial two-way trade cooperation.

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

While in the field of education, Indonesia appreciates the support for protection and health, as well as the welfare of students, students, and Indonesian citizens in Russia. On this occasion, the Russian Foreign Minister offered diplomatic education cooperation in 2022.

"In the security sector, we briefly discussed the cooperation between the two countries, especially in the field of cybersecurity. Two cooperation documents have been discussed in this field, namely the Joint Statement of Heads of State on this issue, and the Agreement on International Information Security. Both agreement drafts are expected to be signed soon", said Foreign Minister Retno.

In addition to bilateral issues, the Indonesian Foreign Minister together with the Russian Foreign Minister also discussed the conditions in Myanmar and the situation in the Indo Pacific region.

"Regarding Myanmar, I again emphasize the importance of following up on the Five-Point Consensus (5PC). I have asked Russia to support the implementation of the 5PC. Regarding the Indo-Pacific, Indonesia again emphasizes the spirit of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific which underlines inclusive, transparent, and open cooperation", she concluded.