Istanbul, January 11, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono has said that expanding economic cooperation between Indonesia and Türkiye was a key focus of his discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting in Istanbul.
Speaking to the media after the meeting on Saturday local time, Sugiono said the courtesy call on President Erdogan, held jointly with Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, also served to brief the Turkish leader on the outcomes of the Indonesia–Turkey Joint Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense, which took place in Ankara on Friday, January 9.
“On bilateral relations, we believe more efforts are needed to elevate our economic cooperation to a higher level,” Sugiono said.
During the talks, the Indonesian foreign minister conveyed Jakarta’s hope for President Erdogan’s support in accelerating the completion of a limited preferential trade agreement between Indonesia and Türkiye. He noted that the agreement would open new opportunities for both countries to better utilize their respective potential to boost economic development.
Sugiono added that the meeting also explored cooperation opportunities in several key sectors, including industry, halal products, and agriculture.
In addition, the foreign minister conveyed greetings from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to President Erdogan, along with a message underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Beyond bilateral matters, Sugiono said he also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip with President Erdogan, including possible involvement in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to help maintain peace and security in the region.
The Indonesian ministers were accompanied by their Turkish counterparts, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaar Güler, during the meeting.
The courtesy call followed the conclusion of the Indonesia–Turkey Joint Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense, conducted in a 2+2 dialogue format in Ankara on Friday. During those talks, officials from both sides discussed ways to enhance strategic cooperation across a range of sectors, including security, trade, economy, development, and energy.
