The 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok featured messages on developing the strategic partnership between Russia and Indonesia. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met for a working breakfast during the forum.
Putin said he was meeting with Subianto for the second time this year. Describing Indonesia as one of Russia’s key partners in Southeast Asia, the Russian president said the two countries were united by longstanding bonds of friendship.
Energy and trade on the agenda
Putin said trade between the two countries increased by more than 12 percent last year and noted that the joint commission was continuing its work. He said agriculture, shipbuilding and information technology, as well as energy and nuclear power, were among the areas of cooperation.
Putin also said that a free trade agreement had been signed between the Eurasian Economic Union and Indonesia. Describing Jakarta as a reliable friend of Russia for many years, Putin said Moscow and Jakarta cooperate within the framework of ASEAN and on international platforms, including the United Nations.
Subianto highlights strategic partnership
Prabowo Subianto said Russia was an important partner for Indonesia and that bilateral relations continued to grow stronger. The Indonesian president said they were proud and pleased that relations had reached the level of a strategic partnership last year.
Subianto said commercial and economic cooperation needed to be developed further. Saying that Indonesia and Russia were part of the Pacific region, Subianto emphasized the importance of maritime cooperation and connectivity for both countries.