VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The French government keeps maintaining relations with Asian countries. To maintain good relations, especially in Southeast Asia, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean Yvs Le Drian visited Indonesia. The missions are to give support in the South China Sea issue and to accelerate economic, trade, and defense cooperation with Indonesia. About the South China Sea, France has sent their nuclear submarine in that region.

In the visit at Merdeka Palace on Wednesday (24/11), Minister Le Drian met President Joko Widodo. President Joko Widodo in the meeting conveyed 5 main points about the two countries' relations. The first is increasing communication between the two countries, considering Indonesia will lead the G20 and France is the president of the European Union next year. Secondly, Indonesia hopes that during the leadership of France in the European Union, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the European Union can be accelerated and can receive a concrete result. 

Third, Indonesia asks France to be a partner in fighting for an open, just, and non-discriminatory trade. The fourth is increasing partnership in 2+2 dialog mechanism, namely between the two countries' foreign affairs ministers and defense ministers. While the fifth is an appreciation for France's support for 4.8 million doses of vaccine supply

The visit of French Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister to Indonesia was also marked with a cooperation signing in maritime and defense.

The visit of Minister Le Drian to Indonesia has an important meaning. Aside from increasing trade and economy, it seems that France wants to strengthen defense cooperation with Indonesia. This strengthening is through Indonesia's plan to purchase fighter jets. It seems France does not want to lose their military trade after the end of defense cooperation with Australia in submarine development. Besides, Indonesia is a big market for France. 

Indonesia hopes that France, as the European Union President 2022, can give a vivid depiction about Indonesia's current situation. Since Indonesia does not want environmental issues, which are frequently imposed by the European Union to Indonesia, hamper the trade and economic relations with European Union members.