Foreign Secretary Truss arrived at the center located in the Pabaton neighborhood of Bogor Tengah Sub-district, Bogor City, West Java, at around 10:30 a.m. local time.
She was warmly welcomed by both West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil and Bogor Mayor Bima Arya Sugiarto, who had waited for her to arrive at the Bogor Creative Center.
Her visit to the center, which showcases the creative products of 35 start-up entrepreneurs, mentored in the UK-Indonesia's scaleup program, is part of her scheduled programs during her visit to Indonesia.
While complying with health protocols during her visit, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss looked enthusiastic to observe the creative products being displayed at the center. Governor Ridwan Kamil and Mayor Bima Arya Sugiarto accompanied Truss to see the displayed creative products.
Foreign Secretary Truss' visit to Indonesia is the last leg of her week-long Southeast Asian trip in her endeavors to intensify UK's economic and security links with countries in the region.
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According to the UK Government's press release that ANTARA quoted on Friday, the first country that Truss visited was Malaysia before continuing her visit to Thailand and Indonesia.
Foreign Secretary Truss was quoted as saying in a press statement that she was keen to position Britain where the future growth is and to think about who its major partners will be in 2050 and beyond.
"Southeast Asia will be the engine of the global economy, and I want Britain to be part of that, upgrading our economic and security relations with the region to reflect its growing importance," Truss was quoted as saying.
"Deeper ties are a win-win, delivering jobs and opportunities for British people while ensuring an open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Working with key Southeast Asia partners will help us promote freedom and democracy across the world," she added.
During her stay in Indonesia, Truss met with her Indonesian counterpart, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, for talks on economic diplomacy and trade and foreign policy issues, including the Myanmar crisis and Afghanistan.
Truss, who studied philosophy, politics, and economics at Merton College, Oxford, would also forge closer ties with Indonesia on counterterrorism and cyber security.
As revealed by the UK Government's press release, Truss is also scheduled to meet the ASEAN Secretary General to discuss deepening ties and working together to help the region build back better.
Truss was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs on September 15, 2021. She was appointed Minister for Women and Equalities on September 10, 2019. She was elected as the Conservative MP for south west Norfolk in 2010. (
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Translator: Linna S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
