VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi received a visit from Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho, at the Pancasila Building, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Jakarta, Monday (24/7). According to Retno, this is the first visit by a Portuguese foreign minister in the last decade.

"Your visit creates a new momentum for both countries to further strengthen bilateral relations," Retno said in a joint statement delivered after the meeting.

The meeting between the two foreign ministers highlighted a number of developments in the partnership between Indonesia and Portugal. Retno Marsudi highlighted Portugal's high investment in Indonesia, which has continued to increase by 2,000 percent since 2019-2022.

"Investment in renewable energy and the blue economy were discussed as priority sectors," Retno said.

Meanwhile, in the palm oil cooperation sector, Foreign Minister Retno expressed her appreciation for Portugal's trust in Indonesian palm oil. According to her, palm oil imports from Indonesia have increased by 77 percent since 2019-2022.

"The increase was triggered by incentives to import palm oil derivatives as raw materials for biodiesel," she said.

The same thing also happened in energy cooperation. According to Retno, she appreciated the commitment and common goals of the two countries in terms of new and renewable energy.

In addition, the two foreign ministers also discussed cooperation in the maritime sector. Retno said that there are 300 Indonesian fishing boat crews who have contributed to the Portuguese economy.

"We discussed measures to safeguard their interests including through certification and capacity building. We also explored collaboration in the blue economy, fisheries, and combating IUU fishing," she said.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi's meeting with Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho was also used to discuss a number of regional and global issues. According to Retno, the meeting has produced a number of positive notes in the cooperation between the two countries. (VOI/Andy)