RRI.CO.ID, Malabo — Indonesia and Sao Tome and Principe have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through the signing of a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking an initial step toward expanding cooperation across various strategic sectors.

The agreement was discussed during a meeting between Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Nasir and Sao Tome and Principe’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities, Ilza Amado Vaz, on the sidelines of the 11th Summit of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Equatorial Guinea on Friday, March 27, 2026.

During the meeting, Arrmanatha expressed appreciation for the shared vision of both countries as archipelagic states, particularly in strengthening maritime cooperation and governance.

He noted that this common ground serves as a strong foundation for expanding collaboration, as previously reflected in Sao Tome and Principe’s participation in the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum Summit in Bali in 2023.

Both countries also agreed to promote closer bilateral cooperation through the exploration of consultation mechanisms, increased trade and investment, and strengthened development cooperation.

In addition, both sides emphasized the importance of coordination in various international forums to promote more inclusive and equitable global governance.

“We expect Sao Tome and Principe’s support for Indonesia’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term, as well as in advancing the realization of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and ECOWAS,” Arrmanatha said.

As a partner in the West African region, Sao Tome and Principe plays an important role as one of Indonesia’s sources of cocoa imports. Opportunities for cooperation are also open in the energy sector, particularly oil and gas, as well as in tourism management development.