Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to meet with his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, in Moscow to discuss trade and economic cooperation and the development of the legal framework between the two countries.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the ministers would exchange views on a broad range of bilateral issues, including security, trade, economy, and humanitarian cooperation. They are also expected to address improvements to the legal and contractual foundation of Russia–Indonesia relations.
According to the Foreign Ministry, negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Indonesia are nearing completion, with five rounds of talks held between 2023 and 2024. The ministers are expected to discuss this agreement in detail. Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso recently confirmed that Jakarta aims to finalize the deal in 2025, noting it would expand access to EAEU markets and boost Indonesia’s competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Preparations for SPIEF
Sugianto’s visit precedes the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), scheduled for June 18–21. Zakharova noted that expanding high-level political contacts would also be on the agenda. Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, previously confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto would attend SPIEF and meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Indonesian government has emphasized the strategic importance of this visit, viewing it as a step toward strengthening comprehensive cooperation and partnership with Russia. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said it also underscores Indonesia’s growing international profile amid global challenges. The visit also coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Indonesia is expected to host a national exhibition stand at SPIEF, showcasing its investment, tourism, and other sectoral opportunities. During a recent meeting with Russian presidential adviser Anton Kobyakov, Indonesian Ambassador Jose Antonio Morato Tavares reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, tourism, culture, and politics. The Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted key areas of bilateral economic focus: energy, mineral extraction, agriculture, and peaceful space exploration.
Defense Cooperation
Lavrov and Sugiono will also address international and regional security issues. Bilateral defense and security cooperation has been steadily growing. Indonesian delegations regularly attend Russian Security Council events, and the two countries have an agreement on international information security cooperation.
Naval visits and joint exercises—such as those in the Sea of Japan—continue, and Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec) has expressed interest in helping modernize Indonesia’s armed forces. This includes potential local production of Russian military equipment at Indonesian facilities.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on TASS materials