Belarus to Expand Cooperation with Indonesia
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Indonesia across various strategic sectors. The focus of collaboration includes food security, industry, trade, health, and enhancing people-to-people relations. The statement was delivered by Lukashenko during a joint press conference with President Prabowo Subianto following a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (2/7).
According to Lukashenko, the food security sector holds significant prospects for development by both nations. He stated that Belarus is ready to support Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its food self-sufficiency through the provision of fertilisers, agricultural equipment, and necessary technology. ‘To meet food needs, we are ready to supply larger quantities of fertiliser, agricultural tools, and agricultural machinery,’ he said.
Beyond agriculture, Belarus is also opening wider cooperation opportunities in the industrial sector. This support includes the development of heavy equipment and automotive industries, capacity building for Indonesian human resources through technical training, and the establishment of joint ventures. ‘We are ready to train our people not only here in Indonesia but also in our factories in Belarus. We are also ready to assist our Indonesian friends in other areas needed by Indonesia,’ he stated.
In the trade sector, Lukashenko said Belarus is prepared to increase exports of various commodities to Indonesia, including dairy and meat products. He also offered opportunities for joint project development, the formation of joint ventures, and industrial localisation in Indonesia. Furthermore, Belarus expressed its readiness to support cooperation in the health sector, including enhancing medical service capacity for the Indonesian people. ‘We are ready to open various cooperation projects and expand cooperation of any kind in Indonesia. Not just trade cooperation, but the construction of joint ventures and factory localisation here. Our country is ready to provide support for health and medical field preparation for Indonesians,’ he said.
Lukashenko also welcomed the plan to open the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Belarus. According to him, the presence of diplomatic representation, the opening of direct flights, and visa facilitation will further strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries while encouraging an increase in tourist visits. ‘Our delegation pays very high attention to mutual tourist visits. We are open to the opening of the Indonesian Embassy in Belarus, and visa-free arrangements will also facilitate visits by Belarusian citizens to Indonesia, just as we have done for Indonesian citizens to Belarus,’ he stated.
He emphasised that Belarus will continue to open mutually beneficial collaboration opportunities with Indonesia in various fields. On the occasion, Lukashenko also expressed his appreciation to President Prabowo for his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations built on the foundation of friendship and mutual trust. ‘This has been made possible thanks to the energy and strong support of Mr President for the Belarusian government in cooperating with Indonesia. We are very grateful that we mutually value our friendship,’ he concluded.