Indonesia and Tajikistan Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation in Key Sectors

New York, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi met with her Tajik counterpart, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, on Thursday to discuss strategies for enhancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest on the global stage. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Minister Marsudi emphasized the potential for strengthening collaboration in global water resource development, citing this sector as a key area for future partnership between the two nations.

“In the future, Indonesia is interested in continuing to strengthen collaboration in advancing the global water agenda, as well as developing cooperation in the field of hydropower and floating photovoltaic (FPV) development,” Marsudi stated, according to a release from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

She underscored Tajikistan’s leadership on global water issues, noting the country’s key role in international water management. Tajikistan’s participation in the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in Bali, which took place in May and saw the attendance of Tajikistan’s prime minister, was highlighted as a milestone in bilateral cooperation.

In addition to water resources, the two ministers explored the possibility of opening an Indonesian Embassy in Dushanbe, and agreed to advance political consultations between their foreign ministries. This initiative is part of broader efforts to revitalize and enhance bilateral mechanisms.

The year 2024 will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Tajikistan, and both sides are committed to deepening cooperation in trade and investment. Minister Marsudi extended an invitation to Tajik business leaders to participate in the upcoming Indonesia-South and Central Asia Business Forum (INASCA) 2024, scheduled to take place in Jakarta in October.

Minister Muhriddin expressed his full support for Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen economic ties through INASCA, committing to involve key stakeholders from Tajikistan, including representatives from the central bank, the Ministry of Investment, and private sector actors.

The Tajik foreign minister also emphasized the importance of fostering closer relations between the peoples of both nations, particularly through educational exchanges, as more Tajik students pursue higher education in Indonesia.

Both ministers expressed optimism for a future of closer collaboration, united by common interests and shared opportunities for growth across various sectors.