Indonesia and Madagascar Agree to Establish Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Madagascar have agreed to elevate their cooperation to a higher level by exploring the mechanism of a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) at the level of the foreign ministers of both countries. This was established through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the Establishment of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, signed by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Madagascar’s Foreign Minister Alice N’Diaye at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Wednesday.
“This agreement will provide a stronger institutional framework for our partnership,” said Sugiono in a joint press statement following the bilateral meeting with Minister N’Diaye. According to the Indonesian Foreign Minister, the agreement provides a vital momentum to enhance bilateral relations and pave new ways for collaboration between the two nations. The commission mechanism is also expected to create broader cooperation opportunities that could bring significant benefits to both Indonesia and Madagascar.
In addition to the JCBC MoU, both foreign ministers also signed an Agreement on Visa Waivers for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports for visits between the two countries. Sugiono stated that the visa waiver agreement could facilitate closer coordination between officials of both nations, including within the business sector. “We note the positive trend in bilateral trade and emphasise the importance of expanding business-to-business relations and investment opportunities,” the Foreign Minister added.
He also noted that plans for further visa exemptions or facilitation for the business community were discussed to accelerate business partnerships between the two countries during discussions with the Madagascar Foreign Minister. Meanwhile, Minister N’Diaye stated that the Indonesia-Madagascar JCBC MoU represents a major step in enhancing bilateral relations. “This will provide a structured institutional framework to strengthen coordination between our two governments,” she said. N’Diaye expressed confidence that the establishment of dialogue through the JCBC mechanism could encourage exchange between the two nations and foster increasingly dynamic and ambitious cooperation in strategic sectors. She also identified Indonesia as a crucial partner in increasing Madagascar’s engagement in international economic dynamics, noting that her country will continue to push for strengthened strategic cooperation with Indonesia.