ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi received a working visit from Latvian Foreign Minister, H.E. Baiba Braže in Jakarta, Thursday, September 5 2024.
During the meeting, the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs discussed various important issues related to bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields, as well as exchanging views on the current regional and global situation.
“Latvia is one of our biggest trading partners in the Baltic Region,” said Retno.
Indonesia-Latvia trade was recorded at US$83.4 million in 2023, an increase of 2.74 percent from the previous year.
“Even though Indonesia and Latvia are geographically separated by distance, we have the same values and aspirations for global peace and stability, as well as the prosperity of our two nations,” added Retno.
In a joint press statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed several points, namely:
First, in the field of inter-governmental cooperation. The two Ministers discussed the importance of strengthening and institutionalizing government-to-government cooperation, including between the parliaments of the two countries.
Retno said that cooperation between parliaments was very important and welcomed the institutionalization of cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.
Second, in the field of economic cooperation. To further increase trade between the two countries, the two Ministers agreed on the importance of immediately completing the Indonesia-EU CEPA negotiations.
Retno also welcomed the renewal of the MoU between KADIN and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce, and hoped that business interactions could continue to be improved, especially in the fields of green economy and sustainable tourism.
Third, in the fields of cooperation in education, culture and science and technology. Retno expressed Indonesia’s desire to explore cooperation in the field of education, especially for research collaboration between countries. Retno also hopes that Latvia can make study visas easier for students who will study in Latvia.
Indonesia and Latvia also continue to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education and culture. The potential for collaboration in joint research and cooperation between universities is highlighted, including the ease of submitting applications and visas for Indonesian students who wish to study in Latvia.
Currently, the two countries are completing negotiations on an MoU on Cooperation in the Cultural Sector, which covers visual and performing arts, museums, libraries, as well as tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Currently, the Riga Bourse Art Museum in Latvia houses 76 Indonesian cultural artifacts, the largest number of Southeast Asian cultural items on display there.
Apart from bilateral issues, the two Ministers also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual concern. Both Ministers agreed on the importance of consistent enforcement of international law in handling global issues.
Retno expressed Indonesia’s appreciation for Latvia’s full support for Indonesia’s application to join the OECD.
This year marks the 31st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Latvia. This visit is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Latvia which have existed since 1992. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel