Jakarta, April 15 (SANA) French President Emmanuel Macron met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Paris on Tuesday, where they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of defense and energy.
“Macron and Subianto discussed strengthening strategic cooperation, including acquiring military equipment and bolstering the defense industry,” AFP quoted the Indonesian government as saying in a statement, describing France as a strategic partner for Indonesia in Europe.
The statement added that the two sides also agreed to cooperate in the areas of energy transition and the development of new and renewable energy.
Since Prabowo Subianto took office, Indonesia has been seeking to modernize its aging military equipment. During Macron’s visit to Jakarta last year, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Indonesia had signed a letter of intent to purchase additional Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, without specifying the number or timeline.
He added that Indonesia had also committed to purchasing light frigates and Scorpène submarines, along with Caesar howitzers and ammunition from the Franco-German KNDS group.
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