Belarus seeks stronger economicties and cooperation with Indonesia

indonesianupdates.com_admin

4 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Belarus is seeking stronger cooperation with Indonesia across trade, investment, industry, agriculture, education, health, science, culture and tourism, its ambassador said Tuesday.

“Belarus views Indonesia as a true friend and strategic partner in Southeast Asia,” Ambassador Raman Ramanouski said at a reception marking Belarus’ National Day.

Ramanouski highlighted closer bilateral ties following Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s state visit to Jakarta in July.

The visit, which brought Lukashenko together with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, reaffirmed the partnership between the two countries.

During their meeting, the presidents agreed to strengthen political dialogue and cooperation in priority areas, including trade and economic relations.

Ramanouski also highlighted the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement signed in December 2025. Belarus became the first EAEU member to ratify the agreement this year.

Belarus hopes the agreement will enter force soon, enabling businesses in both countries to benefit from lower tariffs and reduced non-tariff barriers.

Economic ties have also advanced through several initiatives. In May, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto visited Minsk and co-chaired the eighth Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

The Indonesia-Belarus Business Forum was held in June during the Indonesian president’s visit, while Jakarta hosted its first national exhibition of Belarusian products in July.

Ramanouski said the exchanges reflected strong interest among businesses in expanding mutually beneficial bilateral trade.

Belarus currently supplies Indonesia with fertilizers and skimmed milk, supporting food security, while importing industrial products, fish, cocoa and rubber from Indonesia.

Ramanouski said bilateral trade potential remained substantial but had not been fully utilized.

Belarus therefore invited Indonesia to explore cooperation in mining and agricultural equipment, waste management, transportation, energy, pharmaceuticals, information and communication technology, and artificial intelligence.

Tourism was also identified as a promising area. Belarus welcomed Indonesia’s recent decision to grant visa-free entry to Belarusian citizens, while Indonesians can also travel to Belarus visa-free.

Belarus invited Indonesians to experience its natural landscapes, architecture and culture, and encouraged travel agencies from both countries to develop tourism packages.

Belarus is also offering Indonesian students opportunities to study in the country.

Ramanouski said academic exchanges and business cooperation could deepen mutual understanding and friendship.

Beyond bilateral ties, Ramanouski said Belarus wanted greater engagement with ASEAN, particularly in food security and education.

He thanked Indonesia for its hospitality and openness while calling for new initiatives and broader areas of cooperation.

He also urged both countries to strengthen their partnership, pursue new initiatives and expand cooperation to build lasting friendship between their peoples.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi, representing the government, congratulated Belarus on its National Day and thanked it for expressing solidarity after last month’s Flores earthquake.

Fauzi conveyed Indonesia’s appreciation to Lukashenko and the Belarusian people for their condolences and solidarity following the devastating earthquake on Flores Island.

Fauzi also expressed hope that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow stronger.

She said the Indonesia-Belarus Roadmap 2026-2030 provides a framework for the next phase of bilateral ties, with implementation needed to turn political goodwill and agreements into practical cooperation and shared prosperity.