Ambassadors of Friendly Countries Affirm Commitment to Strengthening Strategic Partnership with Indonesia

A number of ambassadors of friendly countries affirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and strategic partnership with Indonesia, as Indonesia is considered an important partner to expand cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, and education.

The statement was made by the ambassadors at the presentation of their Letters of Credence to President Prabowo Subianto, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday (11/06), marking the official beginning of their diplomatic missions in Indonesia.

Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia Hervé Delphin expressed belief that relations between Indonesia and the European Union are entering a pivotal moment that will usher in a new chapter in the partnership between the two parties. He added that the planned signing of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) and the elevation of their relations to a strategic partnership will strengthen the positions of Indonesia and the European Union amid global dynamics.

“I would like to say in this world of geopolitical uncertainties and geo-economics turbulences, a strong EU-Indonesia’s relationship serves not only the people but also the business, and also to the world,” he said.

Similar optimism was conveyed by Austria’s designated Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Indonesia, Alexander Rieger, who expressed hope that the implementation of IEU-CEPA would serve as an opportunity to expand economic ties, while also strengthening cultural cooperation and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

“We are optimistic that this will provide a strong impetus for bringing our countries even closer together in the business sector,” he said.

The commitment to further strengthening cooperation was also affirmed by Konstantin Obolensky, the Designate Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation to the Republic of Indonesia. He highlighted the close ties between the two countries over the past 75 years, particularly in trade, investment, and economic development.

“Switzerland and Indonesia have maintained excellent relations over the past 75 years. We are very pleased to continue working with Indonesia in the fields of trade and investment, economic development cooperation, and efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s resilience,” he said.

In the meantime, Ueno Atsushi, Japan’s Designate Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Indonesia, also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Indonesia, which has developed since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1958.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, Malaysia’s Designate Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries, which share close geographical, historical, social, and cultural ties, as well as various common interests.

“Historically, we are socially and culturally linked. What is most important is the enduring friendship between our peoples. So, during my tenure, I would like to build on the platform, good relations that has been built by our leaders to further strengthen our relations across various aspects,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/TM)