Following the 2+2 Dialogue and defense industry visits in Ankara (see prior article), Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Discussions emphasized a preferential trade agreement, energy cooperation, and defense ties to elevate bilateral relations.
On Saturday (January 10, 2026), the Indonesian ministers paid a courtesy visit to Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, meeting President Erdogan at 4:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. WIB) for nearly one hour. They were accompanied by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.
Building on the previous day's 2+2 Dialogue in Ankara—which covered security, trade, economy, development, and energy—the meeting advanced plans for a limited preferential trade agreement as a step toward comprehensive economic partnership.
Sugiono stated, “Regarding bilateral relations, we see the need for efforts to increase economic relations to a greater and higher level.” He sought Erdogan's support for ratifying the agreement to unlock opportunities in industry, halal products, and agriculture. Cooperation extended to new and renewable energy (including EV battery production), petrochemicals, mining, and energy.
On defense, agreements aimed to bolster military resources and technology for self-reliance. Indonesia backed Turkey's upgrade to full ASEAN dialogue partner status. Sugiono relayed greetings from President Prabowo Subianto and updates on Gaza, including Indonesia's role in the International Stabilization Force (ISF).
The session ended with joint photos and closed discussions, reaffirming commitment to stronger ties.
