TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi received the award of El Sol del Peru or The Sun of Peru, with a Grand Cross rating from the Government of Peru.
The award was given to Minister Retno for her efforts in promoting bilateral relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Peru since Retno served as Director General of America and Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During her tenure as Director General for America and Europe, Minister Retno took various steps to enhance Indonesia-Peru bilateral cooperation, including the establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism between the two countries. She was the first Indonesian to have received the award.
“The journey of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Peru is not easy, but the journey to Machu Picchu is also not easy. Hopefully, this award brings a new energy so the Indonesia-Peru relationship can grow to the level of Machu Picchu's height," said Retno, through a written statement, Thursday, May 24.
The award received by Minister Retno is the highest award given by the Government of Peru to civilians for both local citizens and foreign nationals, for their services and contributions to Peru. Some of the names that have received these awards include Emperor Akihito, Lee Hsien Loong, Dimitry Medvedev, Donald Tusk, Ban Ki Moon, and Sergey Lavrov.
Minister Retno conveyed her appreciation on behalf of the Indonesian people, Indonesian diplomats and co-workers in Peru who have been working hard and committed to continue to improve relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Peru to a higher level.
After receiving the award, Minister Retno took a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Bardales. Both agreed to continue to improve the economic cooperation relationship.
Minister Retno said that Peru is an important market for Indonesia, and the economic cooperation between the two countries has not yet reflected the potential.
Peru is the 4th largest trading partner in South America. The trade value of Indonesia-Peru in 2017 was increased by 5.3% from 2016.
Suci Sekarwati
