A statement released by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and received by ANTARA here on Wednesday said Minister Retno met with Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, in Jakarta on Wednesday.
"Every year, efforts are being made to strengthen the economic relations between Indonesia and Armenia," Retno stated.
She added that the exchange of visits between businessmen of both countries and direct bilateral trade are effective ways to improve economic relations between the two countries.
Currently, Indonesia mainly exports coffee, tea, spices, paper and cardboard besides natural rubber and its derivatives to Armenia.
At the meeting, the two ministers discussed the possibility of deepening cooperation in the context of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
Armenia can become a gateway for Indonesian products to non-traditional markets in the EEU.
In addition to economic issues, Retno and Nalbandian also discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture, education and tourism and global issues that interest both sides.
The two ministers agreed that there was scope to enhance cooperation in many areas, including an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passports and service passports holders as well as strengthening people to people contact.
Armenia is the 21st trading partner of Indonesia in Central Europe and Eastern Europe.
Bilateral trade between the two amounted to US$2.67 million in 2015, with Indonesia claiming a surplus of US$2.66 million.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
