Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar discussed various bilateral cooperations during a meeting in New Delhi on Friday (6/17), one of the most Indonesia’s largest is the bilateral trade value of the two countries reaching $21 billion (approximately IDR 311.8 trillion) in 2021.
“In the trade sector, we welcome a 33% increase in trade in 2021. To further increase trade, Indonesia has proposed preferential trade agreement. The terms of reference have been submitted to India,” Retno said during a video news conference regarding the Indonesia-India joint commission meeting held in New Delhi on Friday.
Meanwhile, in the investment sector, Indonesia recorded an increase in investment of 187% in 2021, reaching US$107.2 million (approximately Rs. 1.6 trillion) from 1,298 projects. .
The two foreign ministers also discussed strengthening cooperation in the areas of energy, food security and health.
“In the area of food security, we share the same concerns about food supply chain disruption that nearly every country in the world faces today. Therefore, we are committed to increasing cooperation, including in the areas of technology and investment,” Retno said.
India is one of the biggest importers of Indonesian palm oil and Indonesia also imports corn from India. Meanwhile, in the security sector, Indonesia and India discussed the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation and cybersecurity.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also encouraged increased cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India.
During the ASEAN-India Special Meeting of Foreign Ministers in New Delhi on Thursday (6/16), Retno discussed four cooperation issues including jointly building a sustainable and resilient food supply chain for security food or food safety.
Indonesia also offers to strengthen cooperation to support health resilience in the region. As a global pharmacy, India should work closely with ASEAN to build health resilience in the region.
Retno encouraged ASEAN and India to work together to create stability and peace by building an inclusive, mutually beneficial and mutually trusting Indo-Pacific region architecture.
“Fourth, I stress the importance of tolerance, moderation and cooperation interreligious dialogue. This collaboration is important if we want to bring together our very diverse society,” he said.
The ASEAN-India Special Meeting of Foreign Ministers was organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations.
India declares 2022 the year of ASEAN-India friendship.
