"Today's bilateral meeting aims to explore the potential for cooperation in developing digital infrastructure and increasing the capacity of the younger generation in both countries," Minister Budi Arie stated.

At the meeting, the Indonesian Minister also explained Indonesia's various efforts and achievements in developing digital infrastructure that covers almost 98 percent of the country’s population.

"Currently, 177,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, 34 data centers, and 265,900 base transceiver stations (BTS), including 1,000 5G BTS, have been built," he said.

Minister Budi Arie stated that there are similarities in the policies and management of information and communication technology issues in Egypt involving various ministries and institutions.

"The ICT policy in Egypt focuses on three main pillars, namely digital transformation, digital skills and jobs, and digital innovation," he said.

In the meeting, Minister Budi Arie offered opportunities for cooperation in developing 5G network connectivity and investment in the Indonesian Capital City (IKN).

Meanwhile, Amr Talaat expressed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's appreciation for the warm welcome from the Indonesian Government. He stated that Egypt and Indonesia have maintained a long-standing strategic and historical tie.

"Egypt was the first country to recognize Indonesia's independence in 1945, and this relationship has developed significantly," he said.

Minister Talaat stated that Egypt is committed to expanding cooperation, particularly in developing submarine cables and training digital human resource capacities.

“Egypt offers opportunities to enhance digital connectivity through submarine cables. We invite the young generation of Indonesia to experience the benefits of the training program we are implementing," he said.

The Egyptian Minister of ICT emphasized the determination to strengthen and expand bilateral relations with Indonesia.

"The collaboration built in this meeting is expected to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Egypt and encourage progress in the digital sectors of both countries," he said.

In the bilateral meeting, Minister Budi Arie Setiadi was accompanied by the Director General of Public Information and Communication (IKP), Prabunindya Revta Revolusi, Secretary of the Directorate General of IKP, Mediodecci Lustarini, Director of Governance of Public Communication Partnerships of the Directorate General of IKP Hasyim Gautama and Director of Information and Communication of Politics Law and Human Rights of the Directorate General of IKP, Marroli J. Indarto.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Minister of ICT Amr Talaat was accompanied by Egyptian Ambassador to Indonesia, Yasser Elshemy, Assistant Minister for Strategy and Implementation of ICT, Shereen Ahmed Awad Elguindy, and Director of International Relations, Samah (Atia) Aziz. (Ministry of Communications and Informatics' Public Relations Bureau/TR/Elvira Inda Sari/SC).

***

For more information, please contact:

Director for Information and Media Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Hartyo Harkomoyo (0811831899)