"In addition to bilateral cooperation, Indonesia also wishes to intensify its economic cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation (GCC), where Oman is one of the member countries," Marsudi noted.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Government has welcomed cooperation between Oman's Overseas Oil and Gas (OOG) and Indonesian state oil and gas company PT Pertamina to build a new oil refinery in Bontang, East Kalimantan, with an investment worth US$10 billion.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi and her visiting Oman counterpart, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, discussed about the investment project during their bilateral meeting here on Thursday.

"In addition to the bilateral cooperation, Indonesia also wishes to intensify its economic cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation (GCC), where Oman is one of the member countries," Marsudi noted.

The oil refinery is expected to have a capacity of 300 thousand barrels per day and be operational by 2025.

The two ministers also agreed to sign an agreement on visa-free cooperation for holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports in the near future, as both countries have completed negotiations on the matter.

They also agreed to speed up agreement on aviation cooperation and avoid double taxation, as Indonesia and Oman were in the final stage of negotiation on the issues.

"We have agreed to continue to strengthen the existing sound bilateral cooperation," the Indonesian minister remarked.

She expressed appreciation to the Oman Government for assisting in the evacuation of Indonesian nationals from Yemen during the crisis in the Middle East country.

"Until now, the Government of Oman still helps facilitate Indonesian students to enter or exit Yemen through Salalah, Oman," she revealed.

Bin Alawi pointed out that his second meeting with Marsudi was a good momentum to continue cooperation in investment in Indonesia.

"We also want to discuss other fields that might attract investment between the two countries," he added.

He also lauded Indonesia's stance regarding the fight for the independence of Palestine, as well as the help in addressing other crises in the Middle East.

Reporting by Yashinta DP, Fardah
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