Indonesia – Meeting of Foreign and Defense Ministers in the 2+2 format (21, July 2023)

On July 21, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna and Minister for the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, will meet with their Indonesian counterparts, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, for the first edition of French-Indonesian political and military consultations at the ministerial level in the 2+2 format.

The format of this meeting, which our two countries reserve for trusted partners, reflects the large scope of our shared ambitions. These talks will enable us to continue strengthening our bilateral cooperation on security and defense, in line with the strategic partnership formed in 2011 and our 2022-2027 action plan.

The ministers will discuss expanding our bilateral defense relationship through operational interactions as well as technological and industrial partnerships, and strengthening the legal framework for this cooperation. With regard to security, they will also address expanded cooperation on maritime affairs, the management of humanitarian and natural disasters, cyber security, and the fight against transnational crime.

The ministers will also talk about bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly within ASEAN – Indonesia holds the organization’s presidency this year – but also in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

They will also speak about the rise in international tensions in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Prior to these 2+2 consultations, Catherine Colonna will meet with her Indonesian counterpart to discuss deepening the political, economic and cultural aspects of our bilateral relationship.