Indonesia and Latvia Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Jakarta, Indonesia – September 6, 2024
Indonesia and Latvia are working to enhance their bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of politics, economics, and culture. This initiative was discussed during a meeting held on September 5 in Jakarta between Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Brae.

Key Aspects of the Meeting

During the meeting, both foreign ministers addressed several important issues related to their countries' collaboration. Minister Retno emphasized Latvia's status as one of Indonesia’s largest trading partners in the Baltic region. “Latvia is one of our major trade partners in the Baltic region,” she stated.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Latvia, a relationship that has flourished since its inception in 1992. The meeting represents a concerted effort to strengthen ties that have been developing over three decades.

Economic Relations and Trade Growth

The bilateral trade between Indonesia and Latvia reached USD 83.4 million (approximately IDR 1.2 trillion) in 2023, reflecting a 2.74% increase from the previous year. Minister Retno expressed that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, they share common values and aspirations for global peace and stability, as well as mutual prosperity.

In their joint press conference, the ministers highlighted the importance of government-to-government cooperation, including strengthening parliamentary relations between Indonesia and Latvia. Establishing this parliamentary collaboration is seen as vital for enhancing the diplomatic relationship.

Advancements in Education and Cultural Exchange

In the realm of education and cultural exchange, Indonesia has expressed interest in exploring research collaborations with Latvia. Minister Retno proposed facilitating the visa process for Indonesian students planning to study in Latvia. Both countries are currently negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on cultural cooperation. This agreement aims to cover various areas, including visual arts, performing arts, museums, libraries, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

A notable highlight is the Riga Bourse Art Museum in Latvia, which currently houses 76 cultural artifacts from Indonesia. This collection is the largest representation of Southeast Asian cultural items in the museum.

Global and Regional Issues

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual concern, emphasizing the need for consistent enforcement of international law in addressing global challenges. Minister Retno expressed gratitude for Latvia's full support of Indonesia's application to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Conclusion

As Indonesia and Latvia continue to build upon their diplomatic ties, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to fostering greater collaboration across various sectors. With ongoing negotiations and initiatives, the relationship between the two nations is poised for further development, benefiting both countries and their citizens.