Date of release : 09-03-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : EU-Indonesia (Troika)

Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign Affairs and current President of the Council of the European Union, will lead a delegation of the EU Troika during a Ministerial Meeting with Indonesia on 10 March 2005 in Jakarta.

Indonesia will be represented by its Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hassan Wirajuda. The European Commission for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and a representative of the future British Presidency will also take part in the meeting as representatives of European Union.

The talks will focus on the implementation of an EU development programme for Indonesia and the assistance provided by European countries to the victims of the tsunami of 26 December 2004.

The two sides will also discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations between the European Union and Indonesia in the fields of trade and investment.

The European will propose the opening of negotiations with Indonesia on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Similar negotiations have already begun with Singapore and Thailand.

On the basis of the political dialogue established between the European Union and Indonesia last year, the two sides will also address a series of topical international and regional issues.

Finally, the European Troika and the Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs are expected to exchange views on the international fight against terrorism.