Indonesia, Turkey Step Up Cooperation in Counterterrorism

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi held a bilateral meeting with her Turkish counterpart Mevlavusoglu to increase cooperation in the field of counterterrorism.

The bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Turkey, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received here on Thursday.

With regard to counterterrorism, both ministers exchanged information on the challenges faced by Indonesia and Turkey to tackle extremism and terrorism.

At the meeting, the Indonesian foreign minister reaffirmed that the exchange of intelligence data should be intensified to combat terrorism.

The two ministers also discussed defense communications equipment for border areas and the development of medium-size tanks.

Marsudi said Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) continued to spread the message of peace and tolerance during his working visits abroad.

The message will be delivered by President Jokowi during a visit to Europe on April 18 to 22.

Marsudi had earlier noted that Indonesia will share its experiences in dealing with terrorism. In addition, she said, there will be an exchange of information related to terrorism with countries in Europe.

"During his visit, the president and the leaders of European countries will provide intelligence information," she remarked.

Marsudi revealed that President Jokowi will deliver a comprehensive approach to combat terrorism, including through religious and cultural approaches.

"Indonesia will convey the message of tolerance and the understanding of Islam," she stated.

Earlier, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Rini Soemarno had remarked that Indonesia will establish cooperation with some European companies in several areas.

The minister said President Widodo was scheduled to visit the European Union (EU) Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on April 19, 2016.

"The government will establish cooperation with Siemens in the field of education and developing local content, and with Rolls Royce, for engine maintenance services. In addition, PT Antam (a mining company) will also partner with Ferrostaal for processing ferronickel into stainless steel," Rini explained.

The Indonesian government had held a discussion with the management of Rolls Royce regarding the maintenance of aircraft engines manufactured by the British company.

"The government wants Indonesia to become a service hub for aircraft engines made by Rolls Royce," Rini affirmed.

The aircraft engines produced by Rolls Royce are used by almost all aircraft manufacturers in the world, such as Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer.

Currently, the EU is the fourth-largest trading partner of Indonesia, with trade value reaching US$26.14 billion in 2015. Of this, Indonesias surplus amounted to $3.02 billion, slightly down from the $4.21 billion surplus in 2014.

Indonesias main exports to the EU countries include machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and fuel oil. (WDY)