"We consider Europe to be very important to us. That is why we would like to see more European presence and more European participation in our economy," he said during a joint press statement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat on Sunday.
He said that Indonesia sees Europe as a leader in “many aspects of modern life” and a strategic partner in sectors such as science, technology, and finance.
Prabowo emphasized that the conclusion of the Indonesia–European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) marks a breakthrough after a decade of negotiations.
He said he is optimistic that the agreement will accommodate the interests of both sides and deliver mutual benefits.
"We have achieved many, many agreements. Basically, we will accommodate each other's economic interests and we find them, basically, mutually symbiotic," he said.
He praised both Indonesian ministers and EU commissioners for successfully resolving strategic issues and any disagreements during the talks.
"I hope when we implement these agreements, we can sign the implementation agreement, if possible, here in Brussels again — that gives me another chance to visit Brussels," Prabowo added.
He also stressed that Europe plays an essential role in maintaining global stability in the current uncertain era and said that its cooperation with Indonesia — as key part of ASEAN — will contribute to regional and global economic and geopolitical stability.
Meanwhile, President von der Leyen welcomed the conclusion of the IEU-CEPA, calling it a reflection of the shared commitment to a long-term partnership between Indonesia and the EU.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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