Indonesian President Joko Widodo and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed enhancing economic and trade cooperation, and links in fighting terrorism, during their talks in Berlin on April 18.
The Indonesian- German Business Forum (Source: //www.channelnewsasia.com
Hanoi (VNA) - Indonesian �🅺�President Joko Widodo and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed enhancing economic and trade cooperation, and links in fighting terrorism, during their talks in Berlin on April 18.
Merkel praised the efforts of the Indonesian leader in promoting reforms in the country.
She stated that she backs a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and Indonesia, stressing that this is necessary for stronger trade connections between the two sides.
She affirmed that Germany will make efforts to promote official negotiations.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he supports a closer connection between the two nations in the fight against terrorism.
He noted that his visit to Germany also aimed to bolster links in education, especially vocational training.
During his stay in Germany, the Indonesian leader attended and delivered a speech at the Indonesian- German Business Forum.
Germany is one of Indonesia’s most important trade partners in Europe and the seventh largest investor, according to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
Germany is the first destination in Joko Widodo’s week-long tour of Europe.
Two-way trade between Indonesia and the EU hit over 26 billion USD in 2015, making the union the fourth largest trade partner of Indonesia.-VNA
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu agreed to enhance cooperation in economics and terrorism prevention between two nations.
Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) requested increasing its 2017 budget by over 50 percent to 826.38 billion Rp (62.5 million USD) to intensify its duties, the Jakarta Post reported.
This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.
Efforts to empower women must transcend dialogue and translate into concrete commitments, including corporate pledges and government partnerships, according to the spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
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 Indonesian- German Business Forum (Source: //www.channelnewsasia.com
