EU-Indonesia and ASEAN ties the focus of Mogherini visit

Federica Mogherini i is in Indonesia for two days of talks focusing on EU-Indonesia relations and EU-ASEAN ties.

Closer economic cooperation, countering terrorism and climate change are on the agenda. On her first day in Jakarta, the High Representative met with President Joko Widodo, inviting him to be the first Indonesian president to visit the EU institutions in Brussels. She then co-chaired the first-ever Indonesia-EU Strategic Dialogue, together with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

"Indonesia is a key partner in a key region," Mogherini explained during a joint press conference with Minister Marsudi. This visit, she added, launches “a new phase in upgrading the relations between the European Union and Indonesia.” The High Representative announced the common will to "explore all the potential for further cooperation in all different sectors."

Mogherini noted that the EU and Indonesia share the same "cooperative approach" to international relations, one based upon "multilateralism, international law and win-win situations.” “That makes us natural partners," she commented.

During their meeting, Mogherini and Marsudi also discussed cooperation on counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation: "Indonesia has a larger Muslim population than all the Arab countries put together," said the High Representative, highlighting Indonesia's role in the fight against violent misinterpretations of Islam.

Minister Marsudi praised the European Union's decision to open a Delegation to ASEAN as a positive step for cooperation between the EU and South-East Asia's regional organisation. On Saturday the High Representative will meet with the Secretary General of ASEAN, Le Luong Minh, as well as with the ASEAN Committee of Permanent Representatives.

Before leaving Jakarta to attend a G7 ministerial meeting in Japan, Federica Mogherini will also inaugurate "Destination Europe," the European travel and culture fair in Indonesia. She will then speak at the Defence University on the EU's role as a global security provider and its cooperation with Indonesia and ASEAN.