Indonesian Foreign Minister and French Ambassador Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Strategic Partnership

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone discussed strengthening their strategic partnership as both nations mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

The meeting, held at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the increasing high-level engagements, including upcoming official visits between the two countries.

The talks focused on enhancing cooperation in defense, trade, investment, energy transition, and the digital economy.

Sugiono emphasized expanding business collaboration, particularly in mineral downstream processing, green infrastructure, and food industry development, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision.

Both sides also underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global challenges, including food security, geopolitical stability, and sustainable maritime governance.

The meeting resulted in an agreement to expedite collaboration in agriculture, transportation, disaster management, and diplomatic education and training.

Additionally, both countries aim to develop adaptive partnerships to address future challenges and opportunities.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Indonesia in May 2025, marking the first French state visit to Indonesia since 2011.

This visit could further solidify bilateral ties, following the 2011 meeting between then-Prime Minister François Fillon and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta, where both leaders signed a strategic partnership declaration.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas