Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta pushes for stronger Indonesia-Bulgaria partnership
Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anis Matta has encouraged the strengthening of the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Bulgaria through the utilisation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), industrial investment, and tourism cooperation.
During a working visit to Sofia on Monday (22/6), Anis held a series of meetings with several Bulgarian officials, including Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, Deputy Foreign Minister Christo Polendakov, and Deputy Minister of Economy, Investment and Industry Krasimir Yakimov.
“This series of meetings by Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta underscores the commitment of Indonesia and Bulgaria to enhance partnership in trade, investment, the halal industry, tourism, as well as cultural exchange and people-to-people relations,” the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday.
The momentum of finalising the IEU-CEPA was also utilised to expand market access and encourage commodity diversification for both countries.
In the fields of tourism and culture, both parties agreed to promote concrete cooperation, including through collaboration in the creative sector. This cooperation encompasses the promotion of culture, arts, language, education, and film, which is expected to increase tourist flows and open opportunities for creative industry players in both nations.
Deputy Foreign Minister Anis and Deputy Foreign Minister Polendakov also launched a logo commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Bulgaria, featuring the Garuda bird and a lion as symbols of both countries. The logo marks the diplomatic ties established on 20 September 1956 and signifies a commitment to strengthening cooperation in the future.
During the visit, Anis also met with Bulgaria’s Grand Mufti Mustafa Hadzi in Sofia. Both parties exchanged views on opportunities for cooperation in religious affairs and Islamic economics, including halal product certification. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening interfaith institutional dialogue to promote moderation, tolerance, and mutual understanding.
In addition to Sofia, Anis visited the city of Plovdiv to explore potential cooperation in arts and culture, people-to-people relations, and the economy. According to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Deputy Foreign Minister Anis emphasised the importance of mutually beneficial economic relations for both countries.