Indonesia, Bulgaria Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Economic Cooperation

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming met with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev in Jakarta to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting on September 14, Gibran welcomed Poulev’s visit, noting that it coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Bulgaria, which will be marked on September 20.

Gibran conveyed President Prabowo Subianto’s greetings to the Bulgarian deputy prime minister and emphasized the importance of further strengthening the seven-decade-old diplomatic relationship. He expressed hope that Poulev’s visit would open new avenues of cooperation that could deliver tangible benefits to both nations.

Poulev expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended by the Indonesian government and reaffirmed Bulgaria’s readiness to contribute to Indonesia’s economic development. He highlighted strong diplomatic relations as an important foundation for expanding economic partnerships between the two countries.

The Bulgarian official also noted Indonesia’s growing economic potential, citing an assessment that Indonesia could become one of the world’s four largest economies within the next decade. He further expressed sympathy over recent disasters in Indonesia and affirmed Bulgaria’s willingness to provide assistance.

The discussions also explored opportunities to increase trade and investment by utilizing Bulgaria’s strategic position as a gateway for Indonesian products to the European Union market.

Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta said cooperation could focus on sectors including agro-industry and logistics, with Bulgaria potentially serving as an entry point for Indonesian products into the European market of approximately 450 million consumers.

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti welcomed Bulgaria’s potential support for concluding the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), while also identifying opportunities for cooperation in food security and technology transfer.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar highlighted the potential for closer cooperation between the creative industries of Indonesia and Bulgaria. Indonesia has invited a Bulgarian delegation to participate in the World Conference on Creative Economy, scheduled to take place in Jakarta from October 21 to 23, 2026.

The meeting underscored the two countries’ shared interest in translating their longstanding diplomatic relations into broader economic, trade, investment, technological and creative-industry partnerships.