REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BRUSSELS -- Indonesia has proposed accelerating the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the country and the European Union (EU) as preparations are complete, according to Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

"The scooping paper was prepared during the trip from London to Brussels and was ready to be negotiated in the context of the CEPA," Marsudi remarked here on Thursday.

According to the minister, the completion of the scooping paper was a strong indication of the openness and competitiveness between Indonesia and the EU.

Marsudi explained that during the visit to Brussels, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) will meet with EU officials.

The foreign minister noted that Indonesia was the first country to have established a partnership agreement with the EU.

"This marks a form of concrete economic cooperation," the foreign minister pointed out.

Marsudi explained that the scooping paper was a commitment, given by each party, to be negotiated.

"It has been many years but has yet to be completed, so President Jokowi suggested that it should be sped up," she emphasized.

Marsudi stated that in addition to discussing the CEPA, President Jokowi will hold talks on the certified Timber Legality and Verification System.

"The relevant agreement must be finalized, so that Indonesian timber exports need not be checked again," she affirmed.

According to the minister, President Jokowi will also highlight the importance of tolerance in today's world.

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