President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received a state visit by Prime Minister Francois Fillon. A number of Memoranda of Understanding related to education, museums, energy and mineral resources, safety of navigation in eastern Indonesia and railways to cross-Cicalengka Padalarang, Bandung.
"This is a new milestone. The visit is appropriate in terms of timing. French, Chairman of G20 and Indonesia, Chairman of ASEAN," said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Merdeka Palace, Friday, July 1, 2011.
Moreover, he said, Indonesia-France relations is not just a bilateral affair but also a strategic partnership. "We want to focus in trade, education, defense industry, culture, and climate change," he said.
Both countries agreed to create new opportunities in the future, among others in the field of economics and investments. Currently the two countries recorded trade volume of U.S. $ 2.5 billion, "he said. In addition, France is the 13th investor in Indonesia.
While in the field of defense and security, both countries also agreed to conduct education and training of military officers. "We also agreed to purchase weapons that can not be contrived defense equipment in Indonesia," Yudhoyono said.
During the meeting, Yudhoyono said Indonesia and France also agreed about the security of the world. "Included in sea piracy and terrorism," he said. SBY talks and Fillon also raised the question of settlement of the Middle East conflict.
In addition, Fillon said the Indonesia-French strategic partnership could be the basis of improvement in all areas. "We've got a big challenge to improve cooperation," he said.
• VIVAnews
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