VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday discussed preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Indonesia.

"We have discussed preparations for President Putin's visit to Indonesia, while waiting for the right time for the visit," Marsudi stated at an online press conference after bilateral talks with Lavrov here on Tuesday.

President Vladimir Putin planned to visit Indonesia in 2020 to mark 70 years of bilateral diplomatic ties, she said.

However, the visit was delayed due to the political situation in Russia, she added.

Marsudi said she hoped that a strategic partnership agreement between Indonesia and Russia would be signed during Putin's visit.

"The agreement will establish a new and strong foundation to improve bilateral relations," she remarked.

During their meeting on Tuesday, Marsudi and Lavrov also discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in health, economy, defense and security, and education sectors.

In the health sector, Indonesia and Russia are working on an agreement to jointly produce COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to cooperation in vaccine provision, therapeutic drugs, and diagnostic equipment, Marsudi said.

In the economic sector, both countries have strengthened their commitment to boost bilateral trade and reach the trade target of US$5 billion set in 2020, whose realization was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, she added.

Noting the 25-percent increase in the volume of bilateral trade in the first quarter of 2021, Minister Lavrov stressed Russia's eagerness to diversify trade through the expansion of cooperation in high-tech products, energy, oil and gas, transportation infrastructure, civil aviation, machinery, computer and communications technology, and the halal industry.

He also agreed on the expansion of cooperation in education and protection for Indonesian students in Russia.

Currently, at least 600 Indonesians are pursuing studies in Russia.

"I can assure you that all problems faced by students in Russia, including those from Indonesia, will be well-addressed while we continue to normalize the situation from coronavirus infection," Lavrov said.

In terms of security issues, both governments emphasized the need for cooperation in cyber security and international information security.

During their meeting, the two ministers also discussed several regional and global issues, such as the violence in Myanmar, the peace process between Palestine and Israel, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. (Antaranews)