President Jokowi Meets Minister Of The French Armed Forces To Discuss Defense Sector Cooperation

President Joko Widodo received a visit from the Minister of the Armed Forces of the French Republic, Florence Parly, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (10/2/2022). (ANTARA/HO-Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received an honorary visit from the Minister of the Armed Forces of the French Republic Florence Parly at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, February 10.

During the meeting there was an agenda for discussing several issues related to bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including in the defense sector.

The President welcomed the signing of several memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the defense sector between Indonesia and France.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding included cooperation in facilities for maintenance, repair or maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) of French aircraft in Indonesia, development of submarines, procurement of satellites, to the production of large-caliber ammunition.

"I hope that defense cooperation will not only focus on purchasing armaments (the main tool of the defense system), but also on joint development and production, technology transfer, and investment in the defense industry," the President said as quoted by Antara.

In addition, the President also hopes that negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the European Union can progress under the French presidency in the European Union. Jokowi also asked for French support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency.

"Indonesia expects France's support for the Indonesian presidency in the G20, especially regarding the concrete cooperation that can result from the G20 work," he added. During the meeting, the President also discussed Indo-Pacific cooperation. President Jokowi and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to make the Indo-Pacific a peaceful, stable and prosperous region; This requires strengthening economic cooperation.

"Our 2+2 dialogue mechanism will become a strategic forum to realize the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific," he said.

Before ending the meeting, President Jokowi also asked for French support so that the sport of pencak silat can be included in the exhibition match at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

"Thank you once again to the team of Mrs. Minister (Florence Parly) for their role and hard work in strengthening Indonesia-France bilateral relations. Please convey my warm greetings to President Macron," concluded the President.

Also accompanying President Jokowi in receiving the visit were Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto. Meanwhile, the Minister of the French Armed Forces was accompanied by the Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Indonesia Olivier Chambard.