France is Indonesia’s Strategic Partner in Economic Sector, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi and President of France François Hollande witness the signing of MoUs, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (29/3) afternoon (Photo: Agung/PR)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo extended his appreciation to the President of France François Hollande, who in this visit brought along around 40 business delegates. President Jokowi said that France is Indonesia’s strategic partner in economic sector.

“Indonesia-France will also enhance their cooperation in two new sectors, namely maritime and creative economy,” the President said in his introductory remarks at a bilateral meeting between Indonesian Government delegation, and French Government delegation that was led directly by its President, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (29/3).

Besides bilateral partnership, President Jokowi added, both countries are also a good partner in handling various global issues, such as Palestinian peace process and counter-terrorism cooperation. The President also expressed his hopes to continue the partnership in the upcoming years.

Five Cooperations

After the bilateral meeting, the two countries inked several Momerandum of Understandings (MoUs), witnessed by President Jokowi and President François Hollande. First, the signing of MoU on defence cooperation enhancement between Indonesian Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu and French Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Secod, the signing of MoU on sustainable urban development between Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono and Minister of State for the Industry, Digital Sector and Innovation Christophe Sirugue.

Third, MoU on technology and innovation scientific research cooperation between Minister of Research and Technology and Higher Education Muhammad Nasir, and Minister of State for the Industry, Digital Sector and Innovation Christophe Sirugue.

Fourth, MoU on France-Indonesia partnership between Minister of Research and Technology and Higher Education Muhammad Nasir, and Minister of State for the Industry, Digital Sector and Innovation Christophe Sirugue.

Fifth, MoU on tourism cooperation between Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya and Minister of State for the Industry, Digital Sector and Innovation Christophe Sirugue.

(RMI/DNA/AGG/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)