Joint statement between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the European Commission at the 1st Ministerial Strategic Dialogue
1. The Indonesian Foreign Minister, Ms. RETNO L.P. MARSUDI, and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Ms. FEDERICA MOGHERINI, co-chaired the first meeting of the Indonesia-EU Ministerial Strategic Dialogue on 8 April 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The topics discussed ranged from bilateral to regional and global issues. By engaging in this Strategic Dialogue, the Foreign Minister and High Representative decided to move the relationship to a new level of partnership.
2. The relationship between Indonesia and the European Union is based on shared values of democracy and good governance, respect for human rights, and the promotion of peace, stability and economic progress. The strategic dialogue serves to deepen engagement and cooperation based on principles of mutual respect and partnership. Indonesia and the EU also reaffirmed respect of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law. The Foreign Minister and the High Representative agreed to conduct the Strategic Dialogue on a regular annual basis.
3. The Foreign Minister and High Representative welcomed the entering into force of the EU-Indonesia Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) which will now be complemented by the Ministerial Strategic Dialogue. They looked forward to the first meeting of the Joint Committee still in 2016 and expressed confidence that implementation of the PCA will result in achieving concrete deliverables to the mutual benefit of both parties.
4. The Foreign Minister and the High Representative recognised the importance of maritime policy for both sides. The High Representative welcomed Indonesia's aim to realise its maritime fulcrum vision, including through mutually beneficial maritime development cooperation in particular areas of economy, science, and technology.
5. The Foreign Minister and the High Representative strongly condemned the heinous acts of terror that occurred recently in Paris, Jakarta, Istanbul, Ankara, Brussels, Lahore, and any other parts of the world, and extended their deepest condolences to all the families of the victims. In this conjunction, both sides reaffirmed their commitments in the fight against terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Both sides also reaffirmed that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.
6. Both sides agreed that negotiation and dialogue remains the best way to find sustainable solutions to international conflicts. The High Representative welcomed Indonesia's recent diplomatic initiative in calling for restraint and easing of tensions in the Middle East.
7. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to contribute to the achievement of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the only way to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinians' aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, which ends the occupation that began in 1967, and resolves all permanent status issues; such as refugees, Jerusalem, settlements, borders, security and water. Resumption and acceleration of negotiations within the Middle East peace process based on relevant United Nations' resolutions, the principles of the Madrid Conference, including land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map is urgently needed to restore a political horizon. Both sides also reiterated support for the Quartet report, which can help inform international discussions on the best way to advance the two-state solution and discussed the proposal for the international peace conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict proposed by France.
8. With regard to Syria, Indonesia and the European Union expressed full support to an inclusive, democratic and peaceful political transition through intra-Syrian negotiations facilitated by the UN, based on respective UNSCR.
9. The High Representative commended Indonesia on its important role as a political, security and economic actor and member of the G20. High Representative Federica Mogherini welcomed Indonesia's recent diplomatic initiative in calling for restraint and easing of tensions in the Middle East. The Foreign Minister appreciated the role of the EU in facilitating a nuclear deal with Iran as an important milestone for peace and security in the region.
10. The Foreign Minister and High Representative stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address security issues and announced the establishment in due course of a dialogue to address issues of shared concern in this field, including countering terrorism, maritime security, illicit drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes. They further agreed to coordinate efforts to prevent violent extremism and to address its root causes.
11. The Foreign Minister and High Representative called for a comprehensive international legal framework to address the global menace of terrorism and an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations. They undertook to work together to drive forward international efforts, in forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF). Both sides called for concerted efforts to support the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on counter-terrorism, including those that call for necessary measures against the threat posed by ISIL.
12. The High Representative commended Indonesia's steadfast support and contribution to UN Peacekeepers and welcomed Indonesia’s commitment to increase its contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations through its Vision of 4000 Peacekeepers by 2019. Both sides are committed to working towards the fulfilment of their commitments made in the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping 2015 as well as the implementation of proposals and recommendations in the 2016 Report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.
13. Both sides expressed concerns on trafficking in persons and people smuggling, which is an increasing challenge world-wide. To this end, the High Representative and the Foreign Minister commended the efforts undertaken by both sides to address the situation within their respective regions, including through the recent Bali Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, and through the relevant EU dialogues and actions to manage the migratory trends in Europe.
14. Indonesia and the EU share important and promising ties in trade and investment. The EU is one of the largest trading partners of Indonesia and the second largest investor but there is vast untapped potential. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the EU and Indonesia would result in a win-win outcome given the CEPA will be based on three pillars market access, cooperation, and facilitation for trade and investment, as well as the complementarity nature of their economies. Both sides expressed the wish to see concrete progress towards the early conclusion of pre-negotiation discussions.
15. The High Representative and the Foreign Minister underlined the importance of timber trade for both sides' economies and looked forward to the first shipments of VPA certified timber from Indonesia to reach the EU as soon as possible and will work towards full implementation of the VPA.
16. The EU and Indonesia acknowledge the importance of people-to-people relations. The Foreign Minister recognised the EU’s support to Indonesian education through programmes for primary education and Erasmus+ scholarships and expressed the wish to see the number of Indonesian Erasmus awardees increased. Both sides also discussed ways to further promote and facilitate people-to-people movement to increase closer relations and to create economic opportunities among the peoples.
17. The European Union and Indonesia stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation on sustainable development taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects. Both sides share a sense of urgency in ensuring that the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals remain a global priority.
18. Both sides emphasised the importance of sustainable palm oil for both economies and the High Representative took note of Indonesia’s concern on palm oil issues in Europe.
19. The Foreign Minister and High Representative discussed the consequences of climate change. They welcomed the adoption of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and stressed the need for collective action on the global and regional level. The European Union and Indonesia collaborate in efforts to address climate change and adapt to its adverse impacts. In this context, they reiterated the importance of ensuring access to energy as a key growth driver, while enhancing efforts at all levels to lower emissions. The EU and Indonesia would explore opportunities to work together in pioneering projects, such as in the area of renewable energy. Both sides recognise the wealth of biodiversity and natural resources of the Asia-Pacific region and will redouble efforts to promote their preservation.
20. Both sides looked forward to a successful visit of President Joko Widodo to several EU Member States and the EU Institutions in April 2016. They are endeavoured to make the visit fruitful and produce concrete as well as tangible results which in turn will strengthen their relationship.