VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held a bilateral meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bali, 7-8 July 2022. As quoted from the Kemlu.go.id website (08/7) on the occasion, the Spanish Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the G20 Presidency of Indonesia, and in particular for the well-implemented holding of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Indonesia is considered successful in managing the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting so that all Foreign Ministers were present.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to take advantage of the momentum of the Spanish Presidency in the European Union next year and Indonesia's Chair of ASEAN in 2023 to enhance collaboration between the European Union and ASEAN. During the meeting, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Political Dialogue. In addition, there are several memorandums of understanding being discussed and are expected to be finalized in the near future.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi expressed hope that Spain would support Indonesia's efforts to combat discrimination against palm oil in Europe. Spain is one of the largest importers of Indonesian palm oil in Europe. The Spanish Foreign Minister expressed support for the development of the palm oil market and industry.

Regarding the construction of the Indonesian new National Capital City (IKN), Spain offers cooperation in infrastructure and finance. The Indonesian Foreign Minister welcomed the offer and encouraged concrete cooperation to follow up. The two Foreign Ministers also discussed defense, maritime and cyber security cooperation.

Minister Retno Marsudi also held bilateral meetings with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra. Both of them appreciated Indonesia for the implementation of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting.

In bilateral cooperation, the Indonesian and French Foreign Ministers agreed to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, especially in the defense sector. The French Foreign Minister expressed his support for Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN next year, and conveyed France's commitment to continue to enhance cooperation with ASEAN and the Region.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi exchanged thoughts on the situation in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of security for food export routes from Ukraine, especially through sea ports. Both share the same view that it is important to support the efforts being carried out by the Secretary General of the United Nations to secure food routes.