Foreign Minister Sugiono And Indian Foreign Minister Agree To Strengthen Food Cooperation

Saturday, 26 Oct 2024

By srirahayu@insightinnews.com

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has engaged in a bilateral meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar during the BRICS Plus Summit held in Kazan, Russia, on October 23. The discussions focused on various aspects of bilateral, regional, and global cooperation.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and India. Minister Sugiono reiterated Indonesia's commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and India, while also promoting collaboration in various multilateral forums.

Furthermore, Minister Sugiono highlighted that India is a crucial partner for Indonesia's food security. In this context, he welcomed India's decision to lift the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice. This decision has created opportunities for increased bilateral trade in rice commodities, which will support Indonesia's food security.

In addition to food security, both foreign ministers exchanged views and explored various bilateral cooperation opportunities, including programs for nutritious school lunches, housing, pharmaceuticals, creative industries, defense, and education.

On this occasion, the Indonesian Foreign Minister extended an invitation to the Indian Foreign Minister to attend the 8th Joint Commission Meeting between Indonesia and India, which will be held in Jakarta. Several priority areas for cooperation to be discussed at this meeting include the economic sector, defense industry, education, and research and development (R&D).

Previously, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, held a bilateral meeting with the President of the New Development Bank (NDB), Dilma Rousseff, on October 23, during the BRICS Plus Summit taking place in Kazan, Russia, from October 23 to 24, 2024.

At the outset of the meeting, the Indonesian Minister outlined various national strategic programs, including the construction of affordable housing, improvements in school sanitation, a nutritious lunch program, and a transition to biofuel-based energy. He noted that these initiatives closely align with the funding assistance programs offered by the NDB.

The NDB President remarked that these initiatives from Indonesia are in line with the NDB's mandate to combat inequality. She also shared experiences from several BRICS countries, such as Brazil, which have successfully implemented programs, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and energy transition. She encouraged Indonesia to join the NDB promptly and expressed enthusiasm for potential future collaborations.

Tag:

We would appreciate your comments

Govt_Politic