Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono has emphasized that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the BRICS economic cooperation group are not at odds.
"Both groups respect the prevailing rules and laws in Indonesia," he told lawmakers during a meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Monday.
Sugiono noted that BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is a multilateral group through which Indonesia has the opportunity to step up economic ties with developing countries.
He said he had conveyed Indonesia's interest in joining the group at the BRICS Plus Summit held in Russia in October.
He explained that Indonesia's intention to join BRICS is driven by its objectives of engaging member countries, acting as a bridge builder, and aligning the interests of developed and developing states.
Indonesia kicked off its accession process to the OECD before stating its interest in becoming a BRICS member, he added.
In this regard, Sugiono highlighted that President Prabowo Subianto reiterated the country's commitment to joining the OECD as a full member during a meeting with the organization's secretary-general Mathias Cormann at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on November 28.
Regardless of its intensified interactions with the two groups, Indonesia will remain true to its non-aligned principle, avoiding participation in military alliances, he added.
"President Prabowo has determined our foreign policy vision, in which Indonesia remains non-aligned," he said. "This signifies that we are not a party to any military blocs."
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Translator: Melalusa S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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