Indonesia, France agree to cooperate on dockyard development

The governments of Indonesia and France have agreed to increase cooperation on the maritime sector, particularly in shipyard development.

"In the maritime sector, both governments give an emphasis on industry because France is strong in shipyard industry. A working group will be needed to discuss the cooperation," Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto told reporters on the sidelines of accompanying President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to visit the Brisbane Port here on Sunday.

In order to follow up the agreement, both sides will set up a joint working group which will discuss concrete steps towards the realization of the planned cooperation.

Besides strengthening cooperation on the maritime sector, Jokowi when meeting French President Francois Hollande also discussed investment opportunities on infrastructure and energy, particularly power plant development.

Regarding the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) issue, it was said that Indonesia was a moderate Muslim country.

"There is also a request for intelligence cooperation to prevent undesired things. On climate change, both countries agreed to continue their commitment," Widjajanto said.

In a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Markel, Jokowi also discussed cooperation in the defense sector after Indonesia and Germany have previously cooperated in the procurement of main battle tank Leopards.

"In the defense industry field, we have bought Leopard tanks so that both sides just hope to continue the program. In the wider defense industry, both sides will cooperate on what could be done with regard to the maritime industry," Widjajanto explained.

Both leaders also discussed the ISIS and climate change issues. "Discussions were still on general things. The previous cooperation such as the purchase of Leopards and cooperation on energy transfer will be continued," he stated.

On Sunday noon, Jokowi inspected Brisbane port before he headed toward Brisbane International Airport to leave for Indonesia.

He has been on working visits to China, Myanmar and Australia for a week.

  ★ Antara