Indonesia and Latvia Discuss Three Areas of Government Cooperation

Jakarta, Indonesia – September 6, 2024: Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze on Thursday, September 5, 2024, to discuss vital aspects of bilateral relations. The meeting took place in Jakarta and focused on collaboration across the realms of politics, economics, and culture, while also allowing both ministers to exchange views on current regional and global situations.

Minister Retno emphasized Latvia’s significance as one of Indonesia’s major trade partners in the Baltic region. Trade between Indonesia and Latvia amounted to USD 83.4 million in 2023, reflecting a 2.74 percent increase from the previous year. "Despite the geographical distance between Indonesia and Latvia, we share the same values and aspirations for global peace, stability, and the prosperity of our nations," stated Minister Retno.

Key Areas of Cooperation

During their joint press statement, the foreign ministers outlined three primary areas of cooperation:

1. Government-to-Government Collaboration

Both ministers acknowledged the need to strengthen and institutionalize government-to-government cooperation, including initiatives involving the parliaments of both nations. Minister Retno underscored the importance of this parliamentary collaboration, welcoming the institutionalization of such efforts.

2. Economic Cooperation

Ministerial discussions highlighted the significance of promptly concluding negotiations on the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance trade between the two countries. Minister Retno also welcomed the update of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce (KADIN) and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce, expressing hopes for increased business interactions, particularly in green economics and sustainable tourism.

3. Educational, Cultural, and Technological Exchange

Minister Retno expressed Indonesia’s interest in exploring cooperation in education, particularly concerning research collaboration between the two nations. She also stressed the desire for Latvia to facilitate student visas for Indonesian students planning to pursue education in Latvia.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing educational and cultural ties. They are currently finalizing negotiations on a MoU concerning cooperation in various cultural areas, including visual arts, performing arts, museums, libraries, and both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Notably, the Riga Bourse Art Museum in Latvia is currently home to 76 Indonesian cultural artifacts, marking the largest collection of Southeast Asian cultural items showcased there.

Broader Issues Discussed

In addition to bilateral cooperation, the foreign ministers also addressed global and regional concerns of mutual interest. They agreed on the importance of consistently upholding international law in addressing global issues. Minister Retno expressed Indonesia’s gratitude for Latvia’s unwavering support of Indonesia’s application to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

This meeting commemorates 31 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Latvia, a relationship established in 1992. The visit by Minister Braze is a part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties further.

As both nations look to the future, enhanced cooperation across these sectors promises to yield substantial benefits for both Indonesia and Latvia.

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