Various Bilateral Meetings between Indonesia and ASEAN Countries on the Sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit
Labuan Bajo – Indonesian President Joko Widodo conducted several bilateral meetings with ASEAN member countries. Among them with Cambodia, Vietnam and Timor Leste on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit meeting in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, said that the bilateral meeting between Indonesia and Cambodia discussed two important issues.
The 2 issues include the first is Indonesia’s commitment to continue to increase economic cooperation, including being involved in development in Cambodia. As well as President Jokowi’s gratitude for Cambodia’s assistance in saving Indonesian citizens (WNI) victims of online scams.
“Two issues were raised by the President during the meeting. The first is Indonesia’s commitment to continue to increase economic cooperation, including Indonesia’s desire to be involved in development in Cambodia, especially in the construction of infrastructure projects,” said Foreign Minister Retno.
“Second, the president also expressed his gratitude for Cambodia’s assistance when we had to save Indonesian citizens who were victims of human trafficking, especially for online scams,” he continued.
The President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Joko Widodo has also held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister (PM) of Timor-Leste Taur Matan Ruak. Foreign Minister Retno said the meeting discussed strengthening economic cooperation.
“As with Vietnam, we are seeing more and more investment from the two countries. Therefore, Indonesia proposes that a BIT (Bilateral Investment Treaty) be formed immediately or discussed between the two countries,” said Foreign Minister Retno.
Meanwhile, the PM of Timor Leste is also grateful for Indonesia’s support for Timor Leste so that it can join ASEAN.
“Thank you to His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, Chair of ASEAN 2023, for his support and commitment so far, for inviting me to participate in this historic summit,” said PM Taur Matan Ruak.
Furthermore, Indonesia also carried out bilateral cooperation with Vietnam through the Minister of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia (Menkominfo RI).
In the bilateral meeting, Indonesia and Vietnam agreed on literacy cooperation and the use of digital space.
“The ASEAN region has potential. High digital technology growth. Great potential and continues to grow,” said Johnny G Plate, after holding a bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Minister of Information and Communication Nguyen Manh Hung at the Jayakarta Hotel, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Wednesday (10/5/2023).
Johnny G Plate said that the meeting had succeeded in reaching an agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as the establishment of a legal umbrella for the development of digital space. According to him, cooperation and collaboration in ASEAN is needed to overcome digital crime
“The two countries also agreed on the importance of creating a joint legal umbrella for the development of digital space, including in ASEAN. For Indonesia and Vietnam it was agreed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as the initial framework for cooperation,” he said.
