"Technical issues between us are very vital because, as you know, they can have major political reverberations and resonances," Piket noted in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He made the statement during a dialogue themed "Looking Back, Looking Ahead: EU-Indonesia Bilateral Relations in the Past Four Years," held by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI).
He explained that topics such as the nickel dispute, the sustainability of renewable energy, vital deforestation, and the carbon border adjustment mechanism ought to be discussed together in a fact-based and forward-looking manner.
He also drew attention to the topic of the free trade agreement, also known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
"I am one hundred percent sure that this will be a game-changer for our trade and investment, resulting in a win-win situation with massive benefits for Indonesia in terms of jobs, trade, investment, and technology, all in a sustainable manner," Piket affirmed.
He also emphasized that green partnerships are a key priority for the EU.
"And I think the same goes for Indonesia, which is also increasing its need to continue with this security cooperation and boosting maritime security in the South China Sea and possibly elsewhere," he stated.
He believes that several things need to be done, including fostering high-level cooperation between the EU and Indonesia, which is a result of the G20.
"There is no doubt that the G20 has put Indonesia in the spotlight and in the front row of global politics, and people in Europe, especially the top political leaders, are recognizing that," he pointed out.
Piket also highlighted the recent arrival of Portuguese Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho and several other ministers in Indonesia.
"Hence, we are on the right track, and we need to keep this cooperation relationship even beyond the G20 and the ASEAN chairmanships of Indonesia," he remarked.
He said that the EU is a good partner for Indonesia.
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Translator: Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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