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.
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be lengthened by three weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on social media website...
Afghanistan is exploring new business opportunities in cotton, tourism and minerals following trade and investment talks this week with officials f...
Georgia is entering a pivotal economic and geopolitical phase, as talks with China to expand a free trade agreement coincide with renewed progress ...
Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV Slovenia has confirmed it will not air the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, joining a widening boycott over ...
The European Union has introduced new trade restrictions on Kyrgyzstan under its 20th sanctions package against Russia, marking the first time a Ce...
MMilitary planners from more than 30 countries are holding two-day talks in London from Wednesday to advance plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Military planners from more than 30 countries will hold two-day talks in London from Wednesday to advance a mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and draw up detailed plans, the British government said
Lebanon’s prime minister met French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to discuss strengthening Beirut’s position ahead of possible direct talks with Israel in the U.S. later this week.
Elon Musk did not appear before French prosecutors on Monday after being formally summoned for questioning in an investigation into the alleged misuse of his social media platform X.
The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday, exclusively to Reuters.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeted three vessels, seizing two of them for alleged maritime violations and transferring them to Iranian shores, as U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is extending its ceasefire with Iran until Tehran submits a proposal.
Two local trains collided head-on north of Copenhagen on Thursday (23 April), injuring 17 people, five of them critically, according to emergency services.
The U.S. military is redirecting at least three Iranian-flagged tankers after intercepting them in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Tehran said U.S. breaches, blockades and threats are undermining “genuine negotiations.”
The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Russian emergency services have contained a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea coast, local officials said on Thursday, ending a four-day effort after a Ukrainian drone strike.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 24th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A United States Army soldier has been charged with making more than $400,000 by betting on the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, according to the Department of Justice.
The European Union adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia on Thursday (23 April), introducing sweeping new restrictions aimed at weakening Moscow’s war economy and limiting its capacity to sustain the war in Ukraine.
European Union leaders were set to discuss the bloc’s mutual assistance clause at a summit in southern Cyprus on Thursday, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of traditional allies raises concerns over his commitment to NATO.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment