Indonesian, Swiss FMs discuss bilateral issues

Jakarta, March 16 (Antara) - Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with her Swiss counterpart Didier Burkhalter here on Monday to discuss various bilateral concerns. "Although this is Burkhalter's first visit to Jakarta, this is not her first to Indonesia. During the meeting, we discussed various bilateral issues," Retno Marsudi said after the meeting. She noted that Indonesia and Switzerland shared close ties through cooperation in various areas. With regard to their bilateral consultation, she remarked the two countries have been part of a Joint Commission on Economy and Trade since 2009. During the meeting, the two ministers agreed to set up a Political Consultation Forum. They also discussed plans to start negotiations on an agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA). "The first stage of MLA negotiations will begin by early April. We have agreed to push for the signing of the agreement this year itself," she added. The two ministers also agreed to focus on increasing the economic cooperation, including development cooperation, between the two countries. On the occasion, Retno also extended an invitation to the Swiss Government to attend as an observer the commemoration event of the 60th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Summit. Sharing Retno's view, Burkhalter stated that the bilateral relation between Indonesia and Switzerland has been very good. "I wish the good relationship that we share can be further intensified in the future," he observed. Regarding their economic cooperation, Burkhalter pointed out that the two countries already have a strong economic development cooperation program. "We will continue to increase our cooperation in various fields that may be further developed," he added.