President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia and the European Union (EU) are setting a good example for the world, especially amidst global turmoil, to continue strengthening cooperation.
President Prabowo visited Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday and met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission headquarters. During the meeting, President Prabowo and von der Leyen announced that Indonesia and the European Union had reached a political agreement and concluded negotiations on the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) after approximately 10 years of negotiations.
"In these times of instability and confusion, I think we are setting the right example," President Prabowo said during a joint statement with President von der Leyen in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, referring to the Indonesia-European Union CEPA cooperation.
On the same occasion, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia views Europe as an important partner. Therefore, Prabowo wants a greater European presence and role in the Indonesian economy.
"We see Europe as still leading in many aspects of life, and we look to Europe a lot. Perhaps many of us are reluctant to admit it openly, but I'm here to say openly that we want to see a stronger Europe," said President Prabowo.
President von der Leyen, in the same press conference, also assessed that Indonesia and the European Union had sent a strong message to the world that cooperation, openness, and sharing opportunities were the paths that countries needed to take rather than sharpening differences and divisions.
"Mr. President, thank you for your visit. The message we send today is strong and clear. Some choose the path of isolation and division in difficult times. Europe and Indonesia choose a different path. We choose openness, cooperation, and exploring opportunities together," said von der Leyen.
"You are always welcome here, and you can count on Europe," the President of the European Commission told President Prabowo.
