Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Lubomir Zaoralek and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi (Source: thejakartapost.com)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia and the Czech Republic have agreed to increase b🦹ilateral rel🧔ations, especially in economy.
The consensus was reached during Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Lubomir Zaoralek’s three-day visit to Indonesia as part of his Southeast Asia tour from February 24 to March 1.
Lubomir Zaoralek and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on exempting visa for the two countries’ diplomatic passport holders and grant more scholarships for students.
The two sides also inked an agreement to resume the bilateral negotiation mechanism which was established in 2007.
The Czech Republic is one of the 75 nations enjoying tourism visa exemption in Indonesia. This is hoped to bring more Czech investors and tourists to the Southeast Asian country.
The ministers stressed the need to create enormous opportunities to boost bilateral economic, trade and investment ties.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Czech Republic is currently the fourth biggest trade partner of Indonesia in the Central and Eastern European regions with two-way trade of 217 million USD in 2015.-VNA
The Czech Government backs the early completion of negotiations on and signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Union, affirmed Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek.
Indonesia will focus on investing in Malaysia and Singapore as well as attracting investors from the two countries, according to the Indonesian Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
Indonesia will reduce processes involved in the issuance of entry permit for foreign yachts to anchor at the country’s 18 piers in order to increase foreign tourists via seaway.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Lubomir Zaoralek and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi (Source: thejakartapost.com)
