FM Sugiono stresses boosting economic ties in meeting with Erdogan

 Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that expanding economic cooperation between Indonesia and Turkey was a key focus of his talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul.

According to the minister, the courtesy call on President Erdogan, conducted together with Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, also served to report the outcomes of the Indonesia-Turkey Joint Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense held in Ankara on Friday (January 9).

“On bilateral relations, we believe more efforts are needed to elevate our economic cooperation to a higher level,” Sugiono said after meeting President Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday local time.

During the meeting, he conveyed Indonesia’s hope for President Erdogan’s support in advancing the completion of a limited preferential agreement between Indonesia and Turkey.

“The agreement will open new opportunities for both countries to optimize their potential in boosting economic development in our respective countries,” the minister stated.

Cooperation opportunities in several sectors, including industry, halal products, and agriculture, were also discussed during talks between the Indonesian ministers and the Turkish president.

Meanwhile, Sugiono stated that he conveyed President Prabowo Subianto's greetings to President Erdogan, as well as his message for his Turkish counterpart to support efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

Apart from bilateral issues, the Indonesian FM said that he also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip with President Erdogan, including involvement in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to maintain peace and security in the region.

The Indonesian ministers were accompanied by their Turkish counterparts, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaar Güler, during the meeting.

The courtesy call took place following the completion of the Indonesia-Turkey Joint Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense, conducted in a 2+2 dialogue format in Ankara, on Friday (January 9).

During the Ankara talks, delegates from the two countries deliberated ways to bolster strategic relations in various sectors, including security, trade, economy, development, and energy.