ASIATODAY.ID, KAZAN – Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has held a bilateral meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the BRICS Plus Summit in Kazan, Russia, October 23, 2024. The meeting discussed various bilateral, regional and global cooperation.
This year coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and India. Minister Sugiono reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the Indonesia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and encouraging collaboration between Indonesia and India in various multilateral forums.
Furthermore, Minister Sugiono said that India is an important partner for Indonesia’s food security. In this regard, he welcomed India’s decision to lift the ban on exports of non-basmati white rice. This decision has opened up opportunities for increasing bilateral trade for rice commodities that will support Indonesia’s food security.
In addition to food issues, the two Ministers also exchanged views and explored various bilateral cooperation including nutritious lunch programs, housing, pharmaceuticals, creative industries, defense and education.
On this occasion, Minister Sugiono invited the Indian Foreign Minister to attend the 8th Indonesia-India Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Jakarta. A number of cooperation priorities to be discussed in the meeting include the economic sector, defense industry, education, and research and development (R&D).
In addition to India, Minister Sugiono also held a bilateral meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. The meeting mainly discussed bilateral and regional issues.
Starting the meeting, Minister Sugiono emphasized the importance of the strategic value of bilateral relations between the two countries and encouraged increased bilateral cooperation between the two countries through various mechanisms that have been implemented.
In addition, as countries with great potential and GDP in the Southeast Asia region, the two Ministers agreed on the importance of increasing regional and global cooperation including through ASEAN, the UN, BRICS, and other forums.
Regarding ASEAN, the two exchanged views on the Myanmar issue and agreed on the need for an immediate resolution of this issue. Minister Sugiono conveyed the need to continue to encourage collaborative and inclusive efforts, as well as a special approach involving all parties in Myanmar. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality amidst dynamic geopolitics.
The Thai Foreign Minister expressed his hope that Indonesia as part of the Troika Plus could continue to play its role.
The two Ministers also exchanged views on BRICS as a forum that is considered strategic, especially for emerging economies, to contribute to driving world economic growth.
Next year, Indonesia and Thailand will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. At the inauguration of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indonesian Vice President on Sunday, October 20, Thailand was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister. (AT Network)
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