President Prabowo Subianto Europe Visit Yields Key Diplomatic and Economic Gains

Photo caption: Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya delivers a press statement at Paris Orly Airport, France, on Tuesday (07/15). (Photo by: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto has concluded a series of official visits to Belgium and France, marking significant diplomatic achievements and reinforcing Indonesia’s strategic position on the global stage.

Speaking to reporters at Paris Orly Airport, France, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that the visits highly productive, resulting in several concrete outcomes and some important realizations.

“Over the past two days, the President has pursued a highly productive agenda. In Belgium, he held meetings with three prominent leaders of the European Union and the Kingdom Belgium, including President of the European Commission, President of the European Council, and His Majesty King of the Belgians,” Teddy said, Tuesday (07/15).

One of the key outcomes was the progress on the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

According to the Cabinet Secretary, under the latest terms of the agreement, Indonesia successfully secured the elimination of export tariff to the EU, reducing them to zero percent.

“Previously, export tariffs stood at 10 to 20 per cent, but under the new agreement, they have been reduced to zero. This agreement is expected to significantly boost investment, strengthen industrial growth, and stimulate economic expansion,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also expressed confidence that the Indonesia-EU CEPA would significantly enhance Indonesia’s access to European market, which comprises a population of approximately 700 million.

“With a market of that scale, we can expect Indonesia-Europe cooperation to grow substantially across a wide range of sectors,” he added.

Meanwhile, in France, Indonesia made history by being invited as the guest of honor at the Bastille Day Military Parade.  The special invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron reflects France’s trust and respect for Indonesia.

“As you may know, over the past decade, only two world leaders have received invitation to Bastille Day – President Trump in 2017 and President Modi in 2018. Surely, this is a great honor [to be invited],” the Cabinet Secretary explained.

President Macron, along with other dignitaries, commended and honored the Indonesian Patriot II Task II contingent for their impressive participation in the military parade. Their disciplined and courageous performance, witnessed by millions, became a source of pride for the Indonesian people.

“This affirms Indonesia’s growing influence and prominence on the global stage,” the Cabinet Secretary concluded. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (RD/MEP)