Prabowo, Trudeau highlight commitment on stronger RI-Canada ties

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized their commitment to enhancing relations between the two countries, including by strengthening trade and collaboration in strategic sectors, during a meeting on Friday.

The meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru.

According to a statement from the Presidential Secretariat on Saturday, President Prabowo started the meeting by expressing his appreciation for the sound relations between Indonesia and Canada.

The two countries have also concluded the negotiations of the Indonesia–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA CEPA).

"Indonesia and Canada have had very good relations for many decades. We want to enhance these relations," Prabowo remarked.

He underscored several fields of cooperation that the two countries can further work on, such as fisheries, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

"Indonesia is very ambitious. We have a lot of energy resources outside of fossil fuel," he stated.

On that occasion, Trudeau praised President Prabowo's leadership and commended Indonesia's contribution in facing various global challenges.

"It has been great to see Indonesia taking on so many big challenges in such a positive way," he affirmed.

The prime minister also spoke about the signing of a free trade agreement between Indonesia and Canada, which he believed would provide several benefits for the two countries.

In addition to strengthening trade ties, he highlighted potential collaborations, including in critical minerals, education, energy, and digital technology.

He also announced the plan to lead Canada's largest trade mission to Indonesia in the near future and highlighted the high level of enthusiasm among several Canadian business players about this opportunity.