Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono received a visit from the Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (3/2). The meeting was utilized by both parties to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and opening new cooperation opportunities in several strategic sectors, including nuclear energy development.

In a press conference following the meeting, Blanár affirmed his country's readiness to share its extensive experience in the nuclear energy field.

"We have over 60 years of experience in building, operating, and also handling several accidents and the decommissioning of nuclear power stations," said Blanár. He also mentioned Indonesia's plan to build its first nuclear power plant and offered technical support from Slovakia.

"And as we know, Indonesia will build its first nuclear power station, so we can also provide our expertise in this field," he added. Beyond energy, Blanár expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the infrastructure sector, specifically clean water management, wastewater treatment, and waste handling systems.

Educational cooperation was also a focus for both countries. Blanár cited student exchanges as an initial gateway to strengthening people-to-people ties.

"I agree that we should start with student exchanges. Because everything begins with education," he said.

Meanwhile, Sugiono stated that Indonesia is open to elevating its relationship with Slovakia to a strategic partnership level. He assessed that various sectors, including defense, hold significant potential for joint development, especially since the two countries signed a defense cooperation agreement in 2023.

"This [defense] cooperation should go beyond mere procurement, encompassing technology transfer, training and research, as well as joint development and production," he said.

Furthermore, Sugiono highlighted the increasing number of Slovak tourists visiting Indonesia as an opportunity to expand tourism cooperation. During the meeting, the two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on visa exemption for holders of official and diplomatic passports.

"I believe the signing we have just completed is the opening stage of the farther and deeper cooperation we will see in the future. An agreement on visa exemption for holders of official and diplomatic passports," he concluded.

Writer: Anisah Aulia
Video Editor: Zuerdaiswara Khoerudin
Producer: Dena Novita R
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