JAKARTADAILY.ID – Political, Legal, and Security Coordinating Minister Mahfud MD met with Russian Federation Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev in Jakarta to discuss bilateral cooperation on politics, law, and security.
Minister Mahfud said that the meeting was part of the regular bilateral consultations of the two countries. “This cooperation is mutually beneficial for both countries in various issues, especially in politics, law, and security. It is in line with the strong intention of the two countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation and commitment to keep the world peace and stability, which is contained in the draft document of strategic partnership declaration," Mahfud said in a press release on Tuesday.
Also Read: Russia-led Troops Arrive in Kazakhstan as New Violence Flares
During the meeting, they discussed various political and security issues that are concerned with the two countries, and the latest development of the regional and international conditions.
At the bilateral level, the two countries pushed for an agreement on the declaration of strategic partnership between Indonesia-Rusia, agreement on extradition, and visa regime. The main agreements are expected to be signed by the two countries’ heads of state in 2022.
Both sides have also welcomed the process of ratifying the Mutual Legal Assistance
At regional and global levels, Indonesia and Russia see the world as being threatened by problems of instability and security, such as rising regional tension, terrorism, drug smuggling, and other cross-border crimes.
Also Read: Top Turkish, U.S. Diplomats Discuss Bilateral Ties, Russia-Ukraine Issue
They also talked about human issues in Myanmar and Afghanistan. During the sixth bilateral consultation, Coordinating Minister Mahfud and the Russian Federation Security Council Secretary signed a bilateral cooperation agreement on international information security.
Previously, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo received a visit from the Russian Federation Security Council Secretary Nikolay P. Patrushev at Merdeka state palace in Jakarta. During their meeting, President Jokowi stated Indonesia’s priorities during its G20 presidency in 2022.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in a press release issued by the presidential secretary’s press bureau on Monday that before receiving the visit, President Jokowi also received a visit by US Foreign Minister Anthony J. Blinken.
Also Read: Russia, U.S. to Hold Talks Amid Tensions In Ukraine
"During the meeting, the President stated the priorities of Indonesia during its G20 presidency and hopes the country will support," Foreign Minister Retno said.
During the same occasion, Jokowi has also stated that in 2023 Indonesia will assume the chairmanship of ASEAN. "President Jokowi also hopes Russia will support Indonesia during its chairmanship of ASEAN," she said. (*)
