Indonesia, Latvia Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, met with her Latvian counterpart, Baiba Brae, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, in Jakarta. During the meeting, both ministers discussed several critical issues concerning bilateral cooperation on politics, economy, and culture, as well as exchanging views on current regional and global situations. 

“Latvia is one of our most important trading partners in the Baltic region,” Retno Marsudi said. 

This year marks the 31st anniversary of Indonesia and Latvia’s diplomatic relationship. The visit was part of the efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations that have been woven since 1993. 

Indonesia and Latvia’s trade recorded US$83.4 million by 2023, rose 2.74 percent compared to the previous year. Retno said both countries share common values and aspirations toward ensuring global peace and stability despite the geographical distance. 

In the joint press statement, Minister Retno conveyed several points. First, the importance of strengthening and institutionalizing government-to-government cooperation, including interparliamentary cooperation.

Second, Retno and Brae agreed on the importance of finalizing the Indonesia-EU CEPA negotiations. Both countries also welcomed the renewal of the MoU between the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce.

Third, in the field of education, culture, and science, Minister Retno conveyed Indonesia's desire to explore research cooperation between the two countries. The Foreign Minister also hoped that Latvia could facilitate the application of visas for students wishing to study in Latvia.

Currently, the two countries are finalizing negotiations on the MoU for cooperation in the field of culture, which covers visual and performing arts, museums, libraries, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The Riga Bourse Art Museum in Latvia houses 76 Indonesian cultural artifacts, the largest number of Southeast Asian cultural items on display there. 

In addition to bilateral issues, the two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual concern. Retno also expressed Indonesia's appreciation for Latvia's full support for Indonesia's entry into the OECD.

TEMPO.CO

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