French President to Visit Indonesia in Late March

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and French Foreign Minister Jean Marc Ayrault.

Jakarta, 02 Jumadil Akhir 1438/01 March 2017 (MINA) – French President Francois Hollande will make a state visit to Indonesia in late March, French Foreign Minister Jean Marc Ayrault said here, Tuesday.

“This is my first visit to Jakarta. I come at the right time when relations between the two countries is enhancing. President Hollande will come to Indonesia in late March. My arrival in preparation for the visit,” Antara quoted Foreign Minister Ayrault as stating after having a bilateral meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi.

According to Minister Retno, a visit by President Francois Hollande to Indonesia in late March will be historical after more than 30 years when French president visiting Indonesia.

At the bilateral meeting, the two governments signed two memorandum of understanding regarding the renewal of the MoU on education and diplomatic training as well as cooperation on the space between the French Space Agency (CNES) and the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space of Indonesia (LAPAN).

“Cooperation on aerospace and diplomatic activity will add weight to the cooperative relationship between Indonesia and France that has been establishing well so far,” Minister Retno said.

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers also discussed various issues at regional and global levels that concern the two countries, one of which is the Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

Foreign Minister Retno said that the Governments of Indonesia and France have similar views related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In addition, the Foreign Ministers discussed cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism, education, tourism, and building the city through smart city program. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)