Indonesia, Kuwait Deepen Energy Partnership and Push GCC Free Trade Talks

TDT | Manama | Email : online@newsofbahrain.com 

Indonesia and Kuwait have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in energy security as both countries seek to address evolving global economic and geopolitical challenges.

The commitment was underscored during a meeting in Jakarta between Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, and Khaled Al Yassin, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Indonesia.

Hartarto highlighted the strong foundation of bilateral relations, noting that energy security remains a key area of cooperation. He pointed to several strategic projects, including the participation of Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) in eight oil and gas exploration projects across Indonesia.

He also noted that cooperation in the energy sector was formalised through a memorandum of understanding on oil, gas, and petrochemicals signed by the two countries in 2019.

Ambassador Al Yassin said the agreements between Kuwait and Indonesia reflect the strategic importance Indonesia holds for Kuwait, particularly in the economic sphere.

The two sides also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Indonesia, with the aim of concluding discussions by the end of 2026.

According to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), bilateral trade between the two countries rose by 10.69% to USD 606 million in 2025, compared with USD 547.5 million in 2024. Kuwaiti investments in Indonesia also increased, reaching USD 1.2 million in 2025.