The discussion took place during a bilateral meeting between President Subianto and President von der Leyen at the European Commission Office, Berlaymont Building, Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday. This visit marks President Subianto's first to the European Union headquarters.
"Europe and Indonesia share a deep commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based global order. Therefore, today, we discuss ways to elevate our relationship to a strategic partnership. This will be a long-term commitment, based on mutual trust, reciprocity, and mutual benefit," President von der Leyen stated during a press conference with President Subianto at the European Commission Office following their meeting.
She noted that the strategic partnership between Indonesia and the EU would also reinforce the strategic relationship between the EU and ASEAN, as Indonesia is both a founding member of ASEAN and one of the EU's strategic partners within the organization.
"Hence, we are opening that discussion, and I hope we can achieve important progress together," von der Leyen stated.
During the meeting, Indonesia and the EU also concluded negotiations on the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), following nearly 10 years of negotiations. President Subianto described the political agreement on the IEU-CEPA as a historic milestone and a breakthrough in Indonesia-EU relations.
Meanwhile, President von der Leyen stated that the successful conclusion of the CEPA negotiations between Indonesia and the EU sends a strong message to other countries around the world about the value of cooperation and maintaining long-term relationships between partners, especially amid the current volatile and uncertain global geopolitical and geoeconomic climate.
"Thank you once again for your visit. The message we send today is strong and clear. In difficult times, some choose to isolate themselves and divide, but Indonesia and Europe have chosen a different path: one of openness, cooperation, and shared opportunities," she affirmed.
"You are always welcome here, and you can count on Europe," the European Commission president remarked.
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Translator: Genta Tenri Mawangi, Martha Herlinawati Simanjunta
Editor: Primayanti
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