ASIATODAY.ID, MOSCOW – Indonesia and Russia are ready to expand economic cooperation between the two countries.
In this context, the Coordinating Minister for the Indonesian Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, held bilateral meetings with several Ministers and CEOs from several leading companies in Russia. The meeting took place in Moscow, Russian Federation, on June 10 – 12, 2024.
Starting the first day of a series of working visits on Monday, June 10, Airlangga held a special meeting with the Minister of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Andrey Slepnev. On this occasion, the two Ministers discussed various strategic cooperation issues in the economic and trade fields, including accelerating the completion of the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (Indonesia-EAEU FTA) negotiations and discussing solution steps to eliminate trade barriers between the two parties and issues related to payment schemes in trade between the two countries.
“Indonesia is encouraging the acceleration of completion of the Indonesia-EAEU FTA negotiations which are expected to be completed this year, so that it can be useful for business actors to expand their business to Eastern Europe and Central Asia,” said Airlangga.
Airlagga also emphasized that Indonesia continues to encourage an increase in the value of palm oil exports to EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) member countries.
“As we know, Indonesian palm oil has met health and sustainability standards,” he said.
Responding to this, Minister Slepnev also expressed similar hopes for the completion of the negotiation process.
“In this case, the EEC (The Eurasian Economic Commission) also hopes that the negotiation process can be completed in July 2024 in Indonesia. “The EEC believes that the free trade agreement with Indonesia will help strengthen the foundation of economic cooperation between Indonesia and the five EAEU member countries,” explained Minister Slepnev.
Regarding Indonesia’s concerns regarding palm oil, Minister Slepnev said that there were no obstacles imposed by the EAEU.
“I can say that the EAEU will not take steps like the European Union which implemented discriminatory policies against palm oil commodities from Indonesia. “EAEU fully supports cooperation between the two countries, especially in the agricultural sector, including fertilizer,” explained Minister Slepnev.
After meeting with the Minister of Trade Slepnev, Airlangga held an informal meeting with the Chairman of the Russian Parliament/State Duma, Y.M. Vyacheslav Volodin at the State Duma Building. This meeting was also attended by members of parliament from both countries who discussed increasing cooperation between the Indonesian and Russian parliaments.
On the same day, Airlangga also met with several leaders of leading Russian companies, namely JSC Rosatom, represented by First Deputy CEO for Corporate Development and International Business, Mr. Kiril Komarov. At the meeting, the two parties held discussions regarding cooperation plans to develop nuclear energy for electricity as well as for non-energy purposes such as health and agriculture.
“Rosatom has long enough experience to be able to carry out good and comprehensive cooperation with Indonesia. “Rosatom will prepare various things not only on the construction side, but also a detailed analysis of the socio-economic side,” explained Deputy Komarov.
Responding to this, Airlangga said that currently Indonesia is focusing on several things related to the issue of clean energy as part of the energy transition, which is being pursued by the Indonesian Government.
“Nuclear energy can be an option for providing electricity to society without having to pollute the environment. Russia was also invited to collaborate in developing new renewable energy in Indonesia. “This is a manifestation of the Indonesian Government’s commitment to realizing the energy transition process which began several years ago,” explained Airlangga.
Airlangga also held a meeting with the CEO of Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC) Aeroflot, the Russian state aviation company, Mr. Sergey Alexandrovsky. At the meeting in question, CEO Alexandrovsky reiterated Aeroflot’s desire to revitalize the direct flight route between Moscow-Bali PP.
Airlangga responded by stating that direct flights could help improve relations between the two countries.
“The existence of direct flights from cities in Indonesia and Russia will certainly make it easier for both countries to increase the number of tourist visits and can help the flow of export-import logistics. “This can clearly help strengthen the economies of both Indonesia and Russia,” explained Airlangga. (ATN)
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