ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, in Jakarta on Thursday, March 14 2024.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed cooperation on halal products and various other bilateral matters.
Peters’ visit to Indonesia was carried out after New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met Indonesian Vice President Ma’Aruf Amin in Wellington, New Zealand. Not only that, Luxon has also held a meeting with the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo on the sidelines of the ASEAN and Australia meeting in Melbourne.
Retno and Peters discussed progress in achieving the bilateral trade target of NZ$4 billion by the end of 2024. They agreed to increase ambition for the next target through increasing exports of horticultural and halal products, wider product diversification, as well as increasing education and tourism links.
“In addition to increasing our trade volume, I emphasize that our trade must be more balanced,” said Retno during a joint press conference with Peters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office.
The two discussed the progress of Indonesia and New Zealand in the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Halal Products. Also discussed were New Zealand’s plans with the Indonesian Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH).
“There are still some pending issues, but I am sure they will be resolved soon. “Therefore, I suggest that our two teams continue consultations regarding this technical aspect,” he said.
“The agreement will provide reassurance for Indonesian consumers and New Zealand dairy and meat product exporters,” Peters said.
Both of them hope to sign the agreement when Minister Retno visits New Zealand later. Retno is scheduled to fly to Wellington to attend the 11th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in May this year.
“We hope to be able to sign an agreement to mutually recognize halal products during Minister of Foreign Affairs Marsudi’s visit to New Zealand later,” said Peters.
“Indonesia is an important market for New Zealand halal products,” he added.
Apart from Retno’s visit to New Zealand, Luxon also plans to invite a New Zealand business delegation to come to Jakarta. Retno appreciated this step, which is expected to stimulate more trade between the two countries.
During the discussion, Peters and Retno also discussed the involvement of the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Indonesia intends to increase involvement through the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and Pacific Island Forum (PIF) organizations, as well as bilateral cooperation in economics and development.
“Indonesia has the same views as New Zealand regarding common challenges, such as climate change, disaster mitigation and women’s empowerment,” said Retno.
Regarding the Southeast Asia region, Indonesia hopes to collaborate with New Zealand in implementing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) guidelines to foster inclusive cooperation in the region, including strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and PIF.
“We also discussed the situation in Palestine. Given New Zealand’s track record on human rights issues. I’m sure New Zealand also has similar concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine,” said Retno. (ATN)
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