Indonesia, Venezuela Vow to Deepen Cooperation on Food and Energy Security
New York, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil Pinto have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation with a focus on food and energy security, during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday.
“Indonesia and Venezuela have great potential to collaborate on achieving food and energy security,” Minister Sugiono said following the meeting, highlighting Indonesia’s presence in Venezuela through its state-owned energy company and calling for continued support from the Venezuelan government to expand collaboration in these strategic sectors.
The meeting also reaffirmed the 66-year partnership between the two nations, with both sides committing to enhance bilateral ties through political consultations and the joint commission mechanism. Sugiono underscored the importance of safeguarding Indonesian nationals in Venezuela, which hosts one of the largest Indonesian communities in Latin America, and expressed appreciation for Venezuela’s assurances of their safety.
Both ministers agreed to intensify high-level communication and reciprocal visits, including at the leadership level, to deepen future cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, with Venezuela expressing hope that Indonesia would play a greater role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy to foster peace and stability.
Indonesia and Venezuela, both founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, are celebrating the 66th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, established on October 10, 1959. The two countries have a record of close cooperation, ranging from humanitarian assistance—such as Venezuela’s aid following the 2004 tsunami and the 2018 Palu earthquake—to education, including the establishment of the Indonesia-Venezuela Polytechnic in Aceh.
In addition, people-to-people connections remain a key component of the relationship. Indonesia operates the Indonesian School in Venezuela, which also functions as a cultural center offering lessons in batik and traditional instruments such as the angklung. Both nations expressed their commitment to expanding such exchanges and strengthening cooperation not only between governments but also at the business-to-business level.
