G20 Chair Indonesia Should Promote Universal Values of Global Trade, Human Rights

Question: Could you please brief us the state of bilateral relations of the Slovak Republic and Indonesia? Also, what other potential areas of cooperation between the two countries?

Answer: We have some suggestions, for instance, in the security industry, the defense industry, as Slovakia is well-known for its Czechoslovakia defense history. And not only that, we are trying to work hard on cyber security issue as it is significant for our economy, our diplomacy. We want to promote green transition and new technology which will bring our countries to the 21st century.

Question: What’s the update on the plan to sign an MoU on Defense between both countries?

Answer: My colleague at the Ministry of Defense visited Indonesia recently. As far as I know they are on track to finalizing the document. There are also some very concrete proposals for cooperation in the private sector. Hopefully, some joint ventures to promote the Slovakian and Indonesian defense and security industry. As I said, there are companies seeking this market and I’m sure it will be a win-win situation if they promote their business activities in Indonesia. It also includes cyber security, an important field in Slovakia besides the green transition, and some new technologies in the green industry.

Question: Your Excellency, moving on to another topic. As the chair of G20 this year, Indonesia focuses on three main issues: global health architecture, digital and economic transformation, and energy transition. With Slovakia is part of the European Union, how’s the commitment of the bloc to help developing countries in the energy transition and in reducing carbon emissions?

Answer: One of the main reasons why I’m visiting Indonesia is that Indonesia is chairing the G20, while Slovakia will chair the Visegrad cooperation and Slavkov cooperation as of July 1. Our colleagues in the Czech Republic will take over the rotating EU Council presidency. This is why we need to cover some of the topics we have in common. The EU is now promoting the digital transition and energy security as the highest priority. I’m sure this will be discussed with Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the parliament.

Also read: Indonesia, Slovakia Seek Cooperation in Various Fields

In 2020, the EU decided to offer member countries million of Euros for such a transition. So, now it’s important to think what should be the most efficient way how to invest this money and if possible it should not be only for the Europeans but also a global goal we have to reach together. I’m happy that the G20 countries are dealing with these topics. But it should not touch on these topics only. I believe we have to speak about the values as well. We are following very closely what should be the future of Russia in the G20 after what has happened in Ukraine. We try to express our views on what should be done in G20 after Russia violated international law.

Question: Still on the sustainable energy issue, what are the best practices in the sustainable energy and digital technology programs that Indonesia can learn from Slovakia and the EU?

Answer: We are now trying to promote new programs in collaboration with our universities. The digital transition is inevitable to cover world society. Our universities will be a good partner in digital technology. I’m here to promote some of these universities. I hope young people from Indonesia will visit Slovakia for short or long-term studies and some researches. Besides, we are quite a successful in waste management technology. For instance, plastic is a huge problem not only in Asia but also in Europe. I’m happy that this process is now one of the highest levels in my country. It’s about good practices, possibilities to share experiences and I’m sure that some of our companies are working hard in this field and should be very active in this part of the world.