swissinfo.ch and agencies | Jul 7, 2010

Leuthard launches Efta deal in Indonesia

Switzerland and Indonesia have welcomed a partnership accord under the European Free Trade Association (Efta).

Swiss President Doris Leuthard met Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The two heads of state decided to begin negotiations over a comprehensive accord between Efta and Indonesia.

The accord is a “further milestone” in the bilateral relationship, Leuthard noted after the one-hour meeting in the presidential palace.

President Yudhoyono described the meeting as very productive. He said that a well-formulated accord covering trade, development and investment would be “good for both sides”.

Switzerland currently serves as the chair of the Efta council. Indonesia is one of seven core countries that Switzerland cooperates with in the area of economic development.