Indonesian Minister of National Development Planning (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa (R) and President of the French-Indonesia and Timor Leste Inter-Parliament Friendship Group Marc-Philippe Daubresse at their meeting in Jakarta on April 18, 2023. (Source: ANTARA/HO-Instagaram @suharsomonoarfa)

Jakarta – One of the priorities of Indonesia, as 2023 ASEAN Chair, is to promote the initiatives of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through concrete and inclusive development cooperation, said Minister of National Development Planning (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa.

Making the statement during a bilateral meeting with President of the French-Indonesia and Timor Leste Inter-Parliament Friendship Group Marc-Philippe Daubresse, Suharso said with this approach, Indonesia prioritises four areas of cooperation in the region, namely maritime cooperation, connectivity, the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and the economy.

As reported by Indonesia’s Antara news agency, the official said Indonesia has worked on tripartite cooperation with several Asia-Pacific countries and will explore other potential partnerships, including with France.

He is optimistic about strengthening and expanding Indonesia's bilateral relations with France, especially in the maritime, climate, and low-carbon fields.