Strategic Dialogue Holds: Foreign Minister Retno Wants To Develop An MRNA Vaccine, Foreign Minister Blinken Calls Indonesia A Key Partner

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

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held a Strategic Dialogue meeting (1st Meeting of Strategic Dialogue) with United States (US) Minister of Foreign Affairs Antony Blinken in Washington DC, USA.

Health issues, economic cooperation, regional and international stability, and climate change were discussed by the two foreign ministers. In a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Retno said, as a democratic country and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, a strong strategic partnership between Indonesia and the US will be an asset for the US in increasing engagement with Southeast Asia and Asia.

"The US is also one of the important partners in implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific," said Foreign Minister Retno, adding that she hoped for US support for the Indonesian Presidency at the G-20 next year.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Blinken mentioned Indonesia as one of the strong democratic partners for the US, as well as a partner for cooperation in various ways. He also appreciated Indonesia's role in maintaining regional stability and peace.

"Indonesia is a key democratic partner of the US and the US is ready to work together on various important issues in the region. Indonesia is a strong democratic partner for the United States, we work together in many different fields," said Foreign Minister Blinken.

In the discussion of health cooperation, Foreign Minister Retno explored cooperation with the US in the provision of therapeutic drugs, cooperation in developing vaccines with mRNA technology and strengthening the global health resilience system for the long term.

"Indonesia expects US support to be able to build Indonesia's capacity in making the latest technological vaccines based on mRNA. Long-term cooperation efforts are important in efforts to reduce the global access gap to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines and anticipate potential pandemics in the future. "explained Foreign Minister Retno.

On the occasion, the two foreign ministers also discussed security issues in Myanmar and Afghanistan. Both agreed on the importance of commitment and good faith of the conflicting parties to reach a peaceful settlement.

Meanwhile, in the economic sector, Foreign Minister Retno provided an explanation of the Job Creation Act which is believed to be able to help increase US investment in Indonesia. Also, the desire to resume the discussion of the Limited Trade Agreement between the two countries.

And, regarding climate change, Foreign Minister Retno said that Indonesia will continue to fulfill its emission reduction commitments in 2030, while hoping that the US and developed countries can also fulfill their commitments, including the provision of a Climate Fund to support adaptation programs.