The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Turchin, on Friday, May 15, 2026, in Minsk, Belarus. This pivotal meeting centered on fortifying trade and economic cooperation, alongside broadening partnerships across various strategic sectors.
Minister Hartarto warmly welcomed the planned state visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to Indonesia in early July 2026. “Indonesia is also ready to host a Belarusian business delegation as part of President Lukashenko’s visit,” he stated in a written press release issued on Friday, May 15, 2026. This reflects Indonesia’s commitment to deepening economic ties.
He further elaborated that preparations for the highly anticipated visit are well underway, including the finalization of several crucial agreements. Among these, the comprehensive Roadmap for Cooperation between Belarus and Indonesia is particularly significant and expected to be concluded during the visit, setting a clear path for future collaborative efforts.
According to Airlangga, Belarus holds a significant position in supporting Indonesia’s strategic agendas concerning industrialization, national food security, and market diversification. Highlighting its economic prowess, Belarus boasts a robust manufacturing industry base, with the sector contributing approximately 20.3 percent to its national GDP in 2024, underscoring its potential as a valuable partner.
Airlangga also emphasized Belarus’s distinct advantages in agro-industry development and agricultural mechanization, vital areas that can bolster Indonesia’s national food security. Belarus achieves an impressive food self-sufficiency rate of around 96 percent. Leveraging Belarus’s extensive experience and expertise in agricultural technology, this collaboration is poised to accelerate the modernization of Indonesia’s agricultural sector and significantly contribute to achieving national food security goals.
In response, Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Turchin, reiterated Belarus’s strong commitment to continuously strengthening its economic partnership with Indonesia. He also voiced support for the establishment of an Indonesian Embassy in Minsk, a move that would undoubtedly streamline and enhance diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
During their discussions, both countries also addressed the Indonesia–EAEU Free Trade Agreement (I–EAEU FTA), which was successfully signed on December 21, 2025, in St. Petersburg. This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in their economic engagement.
Airlangga affirmed that Indonesia firmly believes the successful conclusion of this agreement underscores a shared commitment to further strengthen economic cooperation. It also aims to foster an open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial trade partnership that will drive prosperity for both Indonesia and Belarus.
Editor’s Choice: If Government Debt Reaches Rp 10,000 Trillion
Summary
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto met with Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin in Minsk to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The discussion focused on finalizing a strategic cooperation roadmap ahead of President Alexander Lukashenko’s planned visit to Indonesia in July 2026. Both nations aim to leverage this partnership to advance Indonesia’s industrialization, market diversification, and national food security.
The collaboration will utilize Belarus’s expertise in agro-industry and agricultural mechanization to modernize Indonesia’s farming sector. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the Indonesia–EAEU Free Trade Agreement, highlighting a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive trade partnership. Prime Minister Turchin also expressed support for opening an Indonesian Embassy in Minsk to further enhance diplomatic and economic ties.