French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new defense pact on Wednesday that could lead to more orders of French military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.
Macron, speaking in Jakarta, said the agreement opens doors for future deals on jets, submarines, and frigates. Prabowo praised France as a key partner in Indonesia’s efforts to modernize its military through joint production and tech sharing.
Indonesia had previously agreed to buy Rafale jets in 2022, with the first six expected to arrive in 2026. It also signed a deal for two French submarines in 2024 and purchased 13 French-made surveillance radars in 2023.
Beyond defense, the two countries signed over 20 cooperation agreements worth more than $11 billion. One key deal involves French mining company Eramet partnering with Indonesian sovereign wealth funds to develop the country’s nickel industry—essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Macron and Prabowo also discussed the ongoing Gaza conflict. Prabowo stated Indonesia would be open to recognizing Israel—only if Palestine is also recognized by Israel. Macron reiterated his support for a two-state solution.
Big French firms like Danone and TotalEnergies also signed agreements during the visit, as Macron continues his Southeast Asia tour with Singapore next on the agenda.
U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have drawn calls for restraint and diplomacy from global leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that nations' rights under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats,” during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
France has announced a €1.35 billion ($1.55 billion) investment in the debt-laden satellite company Eutelsat, becoming the company's largest shareholder. As the French finance ministry said, the move is intended to strengthen Europe’s leading satellite to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
The French city of Lyon has introduced new restrictions on car traffic in its historic centre as part of a broader plan to reduce air pollution and prioritize sustainable urban living.
France will host the 2026 G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, the Alpine resort town on Lake Geneva, President Macron announced.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said he has full confidence in U.S. commitment to the alliance’s mutual defence clause, despite recent remarks by President Donald Trump that raised questions.
The 11th MINEX Central Asia Forum took place in Tashkent under the theme “Forging Central Asia's Role in Global Critical Minerals Security”, gathering stakeholders from across the region to explore collaboration and investment opportunities in the mining and critical minerals sector.
Heightened military activity, shifting alliances, and ongoing regional disputes shape the backdrop as NATO leaders meet in The Hague for high-level discussions.
Tajikistan and Qatar are exploring ways to strengthen their bilateral relationship, focusing on expanding cooperation in economics, trade, and investment.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed Tehran’s willingness to resolve its disputes with the United States "based on international frameworks" during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
European metal producers are urging the EU to restrict scrap exports, warning that rising US demand driven by Trump’s 50% tariffs threatens Europe’s green transition and efforts to cut carbon emissions.
China announced on Tuesday that it will host a large-scale military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. President Xi Jinping is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech during the commemorative events.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said he has full confidence in U.S. commitment to the alliance’s mutual defence clause, despite recent remarks by President Donald Trump that raised questions.
Heightened military activity, shifting alliances, and ongoing regional disputes shape the backdrop as NATO leaders meet in The Hague for high-level discussions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed Tehran’s willingness to resolve its disputes with the United States "based on international frameworks" during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said he has full confidence in U.S. commitment to the alliance’s mutual defence clause, despite recent remarks by President Donald Trump that raised questions.
The 11th MINEX Central Asia Forum took place in Tashkent under the theme “Forging Central Asia's Role in Global Critical Minerals Security”, gathering stakeholders from across the region to explore collaboration and investment opportunities in the mining and critical minerals sector.
Heightened military activity, shifting alliances, and ongoing regional disputes shape the backdrop as NATO leaders meet in The Hague for high-level discussions.
Tajikistan and Qatar are exploring ways to strengthen their bilateral relationship, focusing on expanding cooperation in economics, trade, and investment.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed Tehran’s willingness to resolve its disputes with the United States "based on international frameworks" during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday.
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