President Macron of France, who is visiting Indonesia, posted today (May 28) and said: "Indonesians love France. And it pays off! Jakarta-Paris. Our two capitals are 11,700 kilometers apart, but we are so close. Through this visit, our relationship has become even closer."
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia. At this significant moment, Macron paid a state visit to Indonesia. During his visit, the accompanying delegation included several executives from companies such as Électricité de France and Dassault Aviation, evidently hoping to open up the Indonesian market through the visit. France has profound roots in the nuclear energy sector, and its proposed civilian nuclear cooperation plan has been included on the agenda for talks with the Indonesian president (Indonesia has been committed to developing nuclear energy, planning to build its first nuclear power plant in the coming years and deploy about 20 small modular nuclear reactors); in terms of defense, Indonesia is expected to purchase additional "Rafale" fighter jets (in 2022, Indonesia signed a military procurement agreement worth $8.1 billion with France to purchase 42 "Rafale" fighters. During Macron's visit, Indonesia is also expected to purchase an additional 12 or so "Rafale" fighter jets).
As the largest economy in ASEAN, Indonesia holds significant influence in Southeast Asia and among global Southern countries. By strengthening ties with Indonesia, France can respond to the strategic needs of the "middle ground" among Southeast Asian countries, aiming to increase its participation in more emerging cooperation mechanisms and balance its global layout.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833363785330884/
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