Indonesia and Tanzania Strengthen Strategic Cooperation Ahead of G20 Summit

Rio de Janeiro, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan held a bilateral meeting on Sunday, November 17, to discuss enhanced cooperation in strategic sectors, including energy, oil, and gas. The meeting, held ahead of the G20 Summit, was confirmed by the Indonesian president’s office, which also shared details and a photograph of the leaders on Instagram.

The discussions underscored commitments by both nations to accelerate digitalization, develop human resource capacity through education and training, and deepen collaboration in key areas such as trade, investment, health, and infrastructure.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to initiate negotiations for a preferential trade agreement (PTA) in 2024, aimed at boosting bilateral trade volumes. Both leaders emphasized the importance of advancing energy cooperation, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, with contributions from Indonesian state-owned enterprises like PT Pertamina and Medco Energi.

Indonesia pledged support for Tanzanian human resource development, particularly in agriculture and energy, while both countries agreed to strengthen pharmaceutical sector cooperation, including expediting drug registration processes.

Looking ahead, President Hassan’s visit to Indonesia on January 25, 2024, is expected to further consolidate these commitments and explore additional opportunities for collaboration.

The leaders also reaffirmed their shared support for the Palestinian cause and highlighted Tanzania’s active participation in the Indonesia-Africa Forum, emphasizing the promotion of South-South cooperation.

This meeting marks a significant step forward in the relationship between Indonesia and Tanzania, laying the groundwork for deeper and mutually beneficial ties.