Mercosur is a South American trade bloc consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia.
“I am delighted to see the progress in our bilateral relations, especially in the economic sector. We continue to move forward toward establishing the Indonesia–Mercosur Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement,” President Prabowo said during a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Merdeka Palace here on Thursday.
He noted that advancing CEPA discussions is a crucial step to strengthening Indonesia’s economic ties with the region.
The President emphasized that the partnership would bring mutual benefits to economic growth, given that Indonesia and South American nations are emerging economies with vast market potential.
“I believe it will strengthen our relations and help both our economies - and those of Latin America - grow faster,” he stated.
Prabowo also confirmed that Indonesia and Brazil would sign four agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in various sectors, reflecting the rapid progress of bilateral relations between the two countries since their meeting in Brazil last July.
“I think this shows that we have worked swiftly. My last meeting with Your Excellency was in July, and now it is October. In just two months, August and September, we have made remarkable progress,” he said.
On the occasion, President Prabowo also extended his congratulations to President Lula on Brazil’s 203rd Independence Day, which was celebrated on September 7.
Earlier, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indonesia is still preparing the groundwork for the CEPA framework with Mercosur before formal negotiations begin.
The ministry’s Director of American Affairs II, Riris Wusananingdyah, said on September 18 that Mercosur has expressed its readiness to start negotiations with Indonesia.
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Translator: Fathur R, Genta T, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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