The parliament plays an important role in concluding the negotiations on IT-CEPA. Hence, I seek His Excellency's support to encourage the immediate conclusion of the negotiations.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Bambang Soesatyo urged Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop to help expedite negotiations on the Indonesia-Turkey Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IT-CEPA) as part of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Soesatyo made the request during an official meeting with Sentop in Ankara on Tuesday (Nov 3), the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara noted in a written statement released on Wednesday.

"The parliament plays an important role in concluding the negotiations on IT-CEPA. Hence, I seek His Excellency's support to encourage the immediate conclusion of negotiations," Soesatyo remarked during the meeting.

In response, Sentop pledged to urge the related commission at the Turkish Parliament to immediately review the latest status of the agreement and find the best way to allow the Turkish government to accelerate negotiations ongoing since nearly four years.

Trade between both nations had reached US$1.6 billion in 2019, with Indonesia enjoying a surplus of over US$800 million. The value is the largest as compared to those of Indonesia's trade with Balkan nations and other eastern European countries.

Despite the surplus, the two countries will potentially enhance the trade value by US$600 million if they sign the IT-CEPA.

Indonesia's key exports to Turkey comprise palm oil, rubber, yarns, and automotive components. The commodities are among the raw materials of Turkish industries to boost exports to the global market.

"An increase in Indonesia's exports (to Turkey) will strengthen its local industries," Trade Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy Erik Nababan stated.

At the meeting, Soesatyo also expressed his sympathy and sorrow to the Turkish government and people over the earthquake that claimed the lives of over 100 people and injured almost one thousand people in Izmir Province.

Soesatyo and Sentop also discussed the existing strategic cooperation between both nations in the fields of defense industry, COVID-19 production, infrastructure, and investment, among others.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa P/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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