(AseanAll)  — The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, received courtesy call from the Irish Ambassador to Indonesia, Pádraig Francis on June 4, 2025 to strengthen the bilateral partnership between the two countries, particularly in the education sector.

In the meeting, Sugiono conveyed the Indonesian Government's commitment to enhancing human resource capacity through educational cooperation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in the development of vocational education, teacher training, and partnerships between higher education institutions.

The Foreign Minister also encouraged the involvement of Irish educational institutions in the scholarship scheme of the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP), as well as the potential for Irish educational investment in Indonesia's Special Economic Zones, which are being continuously developed as new growth centers.

Francis expressed Ireland's full support for Indonesia's agenda to enhance human resource capacity and welcomed the opportunity to expand collaboration between Indonesian and Irish educational institutions.

The diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Ireland has been established since September 4, 1984, and in 2014, Ireland opened its Embassy in Jakarta. The year 2024 marks an important milestone for the relationship between the two countries with the achievement of several significant advancements, such as the visa-free agreement for diplomatic passport holders, the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism, and the founding of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia.