Indonesia and Uzbekistan to Strengthen Mutually Beneficial Cooperation

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her Uzbek counterpart, Bakhtiyor Saidov, agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, ensuring mutual benefits for both countries.

The agreement was reached after the duo co-chaired the 2nd Joint Commission on Bilateral Consultation (JCBC) at the Pancasila Building, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Tuesday, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

Both governments have expressed firm dedication to fostering cooperation and investment in various strategic sectors, including infrastructure, mining, and tourism.

Both sides also encouraged the creation of a bilateral trade agreement between Indonesia and Uzbekistan.

"Uzbekistan in Central Asia and Indonesia in Southeast Asia must play a role as a 'locomotive of growth' in encouraging inclusive and sustainable economic growth," FM Sugiono noted in a statement.

Moreover, the two countries have decided to enhance cooperation in the areas of education, culture, sports, and interparliamentary relations.

As a concrete step in strengthening bilateral cooperation, the two countries agreed on a 2025-2026 Action Plan, which will serve as a guide for implementing cooperation initiatives across various fields.

In addition, Sugiono and Saidov signed the Diplomatic and Service Passport Visa-Free Agreement (PBVDD) to facilitate greater interaction between officials and representatives from both countries.

Indonesia and Uzbekistan have maintained diplomatic relations for 32 years.

The inaugural JCBC between the two countries took place in Jakarta in 2009. This second meeting marks both countries' commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation going forward.

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers also addressed global and regional issues of common interest, resulting in a joint statement that will be released on Wednesday (February 12).