Minister Marsudi Recieves French Foreign Minister

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi received the visit of her French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault to hold bilateral discussions here on Tuesday.

The French foreign minister and officials were received at the Pancasila Building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Office.

The visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries as well as to make preparations for French President Francois Hollande's planned visit to Indonesia in March 2017.

The bilateral discussions between the two foreign ministers will focus on economic cooperation, including ways to encourage the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Indonesia and the European Union (EU), spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir had stated earlier.

At the meeting, the Indonesian government will encourage expanding the market for Indonesian goods produced in a sustainable way, including wood, which have received the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade licensing.

In addition, they will discuss maritime cooperation, counterterrorism, and sister city cooperation through a smart city program.

The two foreign ministers will also sign several memoranda of understanding, including those related to education and training for diplomats and air space cooperation, he asserted.

They will also discuss regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the impact of Brexit on the EU and the efforts to create stability in the Middle East. (WDY)