Strengthening Indonesia-Netherlands Ties: A Call for Collaboration

TheIndonesia.id - Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, met with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in The Hague on February 21 to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

According to Antara News Agency, Sugiono reaffirmed the Netherlands’ significance as Indonesia’s key partner in Europe.

"As an essential partner within the European Union, we are committed to further strengthening our comprehensive partnership with the Netherlands," said Sugiono in a statement issued on Sunday.

Sugiono outlined several of Indonesia's priority programs, including food security and energy transition, inviting the Netherlands to actively support and participate in these strategic initiatives. He also emphasized the opportunity to enhance cooperation aimed at boosting the productivity of Indonesian fishermen.

Schoof and Veldkamp responded positively, expressing their commitment to reinforcing bilateral ties to support Indonesia’s goals, particularly in areas like food security and providing free nutritious meals.

Schoof emphasized the importance of Indonesia and the Netherlands serving as bridges between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The ministers also discussed the future of the Indonesia-Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership, agreeing to assess the implementation of the current Plan of Action, which is set to conclude in December 2025, and to formulate strategies for the next phase.

Beyond bilateral matters, they addressed regional issues, including the situations in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and the BRICS group. Sugiono encouraged European Union countries to deepen their engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the economic sector, to foster regional balance and prosperity.

On Indonesia's aspirations within BRICS, Sugiono emphasized the country’s desire to act as a bridge between developing and developed nations, as well as between BRICS and Southeast Asia.

Following his visit to the Netherlands, Sugiono will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the High-Level Meeting of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council and the Conference on Disarmament.