President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova received in a farewell meeting the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Iwan Bogananta, and thanked him for his contribution to maintaining stable and friendly relations between the two countries.
At the meeting, the interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the positive development of bilateral cooperation, pointing out that an important prerequisite for further deepening is the intensification of political dialogue through the exchange of visits at the highest level.
Considering that Indonesia is one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, the President welcomed the initiative for negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries, as a step towards increasing trade exchange. Highlighting the advantages of our country through the prism of its strategic location and access to the European market, she confirmed the interest in strengthening the economic partnership and openness to Indonesian investment.
In addition, the President emphasized culture, science, education and tourism as areas for cooperation which require improvement of the legal framework and facilitated visa regime for citizens.
Pointing out the constructive role of Indonesia on the global stage, President Siljanovska-Davkova expressed hope for continuation of successful cooperation on multilateral level, mainly in the United Nations. Emphasizing that multilateralism allows small and medium-sized countries to participate in the decision-making process on the most important global challenges, she reaffirmed the position on the need for deep reform of the UN and strengthening the role of the General Assembly.
At the meeting, opinions were also exchanged on the most important Macedonian foreign policy priority – membership in the European Union, as well as on current European and international processes and relations.
Ambassador Bogananta expressed gratitude for the support from the Macedonian institutions during his term and confirmed Indonesia’s readiness to expand and deepen mutual relations, with an emphasis on the economy.
Praising him for his first diplomatic experience, the President expressed her readiness to continue cooperation with his successor.
