Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, agreed to boost partnership between both nations, especially in the field of defense.
The two ministers met on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Friday (June 8).
“Both foreign ministers also agreed to immediately hold a 2+2 meeting (foreign ministers and defense ministers) this year,” the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement on Saturday.
Indonesia and France inked several agreements on defense cooperation, including a contract to purchase six Rafale fighter aircraft between the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and French military aircraft manufacturer Dassault, which is the start of a larger contract for the next 36 Rafale fighter aircraft.
Both nations also signed an MoU on research and development cooperation between Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL and the Naval Group, an MoU on the Offset and ToT Program cooperation between Dassault and Indonesian aircraft manufacturer PT DI, an MoU on cooperation in the telecommunications sector between PT LEN and Thales Group, as well as cooperation for the manufacture of large-caliber ammunition between PT Pindad and Nexter Munition.
The Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), however, requires ratification from the parliaments of the two countries to be implemented properly.
The French foreign minister also expressed her support for Indonesia’s chairmanship in the ASEAN next year and conveyed France’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the ASEAN and the region.
France also congratulated Indonesia for the success in holding the G20 FMM.
Indonesia’s success demonstrated that the G20 remains relevant as a catalytic forum for solving global issues, including those related to food and energy security.
“Meanwhile, the Indonesian foreign minister exchanged views on efforts to stop war and encourage dialogue to achieve peace,” according to the statement.
Source: Antara News