Indonesia, France Adopt Joint Vision 2050, Moving toward 100 Years of Diplomatic Relations
President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron deliver a joint press statement at Merdeka Palace, Wednesday (05/28). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Jakarta has marked a new chapter in Indonesia-France bilateral relations, strengthening strategic partnerships that have been forged for over seven decades.
“President Macron is the first head of state from the European Union to pay an official visit to Indonesia after I took office as the President of the Republic of Indonesia. It proved our two countries’ closeness and strong ties,” President Prabowo said in a press statement following a bilateral meeting.
Macron’s visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-France diplomatic relations, which was celebrated with a major action, adopting the Joint Vision 2050 toward 100 years of bilateral relations.
“Today, we agreed to move further by adopting the declaration of a joint vision toward 100 years of Indonesia-France relations in 2050. It also demonstrates our commitment to reaffirming our commitment in strategic sectors,” President Prabowo said, adding that the two countries have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the defense sector.
“We certainly have had defense cooperation agreements between Indonesia and France. France is one of our main partners in modernizing our primary weapon system, including defense industry development through joint production and technology transfer,” he said.
President Prabowo also highlighted the positive outcomes of the 11th Indonesia-France Defense Dialogue and Indonesia’s involvement in La Pérouse multilateral naval defense training. As a concrete action of the defense cooperation, President Macron is scheduled to visit the Military Academy in Magelang regency, Central Java province, with President Prabowo on Thursday (05/29).
In the economic sector, the two leaders have agreed to strengthen more balanced trade and investment relations and expedite the conclusion of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“We also asked France to support us in accelerating the finalization of the Indonesia–European Union CEPA, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. And we would like to thank President Macron, who has pledged to support our membership of not only the CEPA but also the OECD,” President Prabowo said.
Indonesia-France’s stronger ties are also reflected in other strategic partnerships, including those in energy transition, food security, the free nutritious meal program, maritime, and education.
“In education, we promote collaboration in various education sectors, and we have also asked France to increase the number of our university students to study science, engineering, and medicine,” President Prabowo said while expressing appreciation for his French counterpart’s invitation to attend the Bastille Day, the French National Day, in Paris.
“I thank you for the invitation. President Macron also invited the contingent from the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) to take part in the military parade. Thus, Minister of Defense, do your best. I thank President Macron for this. Back then, when I was in Paris, I used to watch from the roadside. Thank you. Now I can get on the podium with you,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/MMB)
