“The security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indio-Pacific region is closely linked; therefore, I appreciate Indonesia’s advocacy for the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, including preventing aggression, respect for territorial integrity, democracy and established borders, and Indonesia’s consequent votes at the UN condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, underlines.
Indonesia is an important cooperation partner to Latvia in Southeast Asia. It is the region’s largest country by population and also an influential economic and political power. Latvia is interested in promoting economic cooperation and increasing trade volumes. The Foreign Ministers welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Baiba Braže and Retno Marsudi discussed bilateral relations and developments in the region, as well as cooperation in international formats such as the United Nations and a dialogue between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Baiba Braže expressed support to Indonesia on its path to membership in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Baiba Braže also confirmed Latvia’s support for negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Indonesia, the signing of which will promote a balanced trade growth and strengthen EU–Indonesian cooperation, as well as being of a particular strategic importance in the current geopolitical context. The Ministers agreed to take forward an active bilateral political and economic dialogue.
The Ministers were unanimous on the strengthening of ties between the two national parliaments and of cooperation in education, culture and tourism. The opportunity should also be seized to intensify economic contacts, especially in the ICT and high-tech sector.
In a discussion on issues related to legal framework, Baiba Braže noted that Latvia was interested in signing a double taxation agreement.
Baiba Braže also exchanged views with the Head of the EU Delegation to Indonesia, Denis Chaibi, on current developments in relations between Indonesia and the EU.
While visiting one of Indonesia’s leading private universities, Pelita Harapan University, the Foreign Minister met with its management and students and delivered a public lecture, “Together for Peace and resilience”, presenting an outline of Latvia’s foreign policy priorities and regional developments.
As part her visit, the Minister also met Indonesian foreign policy researchers and gave an interview to local media.
While in Indonesia, Baiba Braže intends to meet with representatives from Citraweb Solusi Teknologi, which has developed successful cooperation with a Latvian network equipment manufacturing company, MikroTik.
The Minister will also have a meeting with the Governor of the North Sulawesi province, Olly Dondokambey, to highlight Latvia’s interest in developing cooperation in tourism and education.
Further information / Facts
- Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Latvia and Indonesia were established on 25 August 1993. Latvia was the first of the Baltic States that Indonesia established diplomatic relations with.
- Latvia and Indonesia are actively cooperating at the political level both bilaterally and in multilateral formats.
- Indonesia is an important foreign trade partner to Latvia in Southeast Asia.
- As a founding member of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Indonesia plays an important role in promoting regional integration and stability: it is actively involved in addressing regional issue and promotes economic cooperation, security and sustainable development throughout the ASEAN region.
- Since 2018, Normans Penke has been Latvia’s non-resident ambassador to Indonesia.
- The Honorary Consuls of Latvia in Indonesia are Ayub Yunus and Jahja Santoso.
- Foreign Minister Baiba Braže is on a working visit in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia and South Korea.
