President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, have officially announced a major breakthrough in the long-standing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations between Indonesia and the European Union after a decade of negotiations. The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Brussels on Sunday, where President Prabowo highlighted the significance of the agreement as a free trade deal that accommodates the economic interests of both parties in a mutually beneficial way.
President Prabowo emphasized the strategic importance of the Indonesia-EU partnership in the face of global uncertainties, pointing out that the collaboration could contribute to economic and geopolitical stability. He praised the efforts of senior officials from both sides in resolving major differences in the negotiation process, leading to the successful conclusion of the agreement.
President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the sentiments and commended President Prabowo for his leadership in bringing the negotiations to a close. She emphasized that the agreement signifies a milestone in establishing a long-term partnership based on shared values, trust, respect, transparency, and common goals.
The formal signing of the implementation agreement is hoped to take place in Brussels as well, as President Prabowo expressed his optimism for the future of the partnership between Indonesia and the European Union. The conclusion of the decade-long negotiation is expected to bring tangible benefits to both economies, marking a significant milestone in Indonesia-EU relations.
