Minister Blanar Arrives in Indonesia for Official Working Visit

Denpasar/Bratislava, 1 February (TASR) – Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) arrived on Sunday in Indonesia for an official working visit to strengthen political dialogue and Slovakia's position in Southeast Asia, as well as expand the activities of economic diplomacy, TASR has learnt from the Foreign Ministry's communications department on the same day. The head of Slovak diplomacy is accompanied by 20 Slovak entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of Slovakia's Export-Import Bank (Eximbanka) and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO). "Strategic orientation on the Indo-Pacific region is one of the key pillars of the Slovak government's foreign policy. Our intention is to strengthen political dialogue while also expanding the activities of our economic diplomacy. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, a member of the G20 and BRICS, as well as one of the key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)," said Blanar, adding that there's a great potential for intensifying cooperation. Mutual trade between both countries has been growing steadily and reached €179.4 million in 2024. "The development of trade relations will also be supported by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Indonesia and the European Union (EU), bringing more predictable rules, less trade barriers and better market access," added Blanar. According to him, Slovakia is keen on cooperating with Indonesia in the areas of energy, defence industry, water management, agriculture, innovation, digital economy and tourism, as Slovak companies can offer know-how and technology to their partners in Southeast Asia, which is one of the most dynamic regions in the world. On Monday (2 February), Blanar is scheduled to reopen Slovakia's Honorary Consulate in Bali. On Tuesday (3 February), he will open the first Slovak-Indonesian Business Forum in Jakarta, hold talks with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, and meet with Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Anindya Novyan Bakrie. On Wednesday (4 February), he is due to meet his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono. After Indonesia, the delegation will move on to Singapore. With this country, the annual trade turnover exceeds more than €100 million, with Slovak exports to Singapore having increased by nearly 25 percent year on year. Singapore is the second largest source of Asian investment in the EU, while Slovakia sees a potential in the digital sector, water management, innovation, sustainable solutions, and science and technology. In Singapore, Blanar is expected to meet Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang and attend a presentation of business and investment opportunities. jrg