France and Indonesia to work on 'true strategic partnership'

In this photo released by Indonesian Presidential Palace, Indonesia's President Joko Widodo poses with French President Emmanuel Macron (right) during their bilateral meeting at Hotel Splendide Royal in Rome, on Saturday, Oct 30, 2021. - AP

ROME, Oct 30, 2021 (AFP): French President Emmanuel Macron and his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo on Saturday vowed to work toward a "true strategic partnership", France's presidency said, after Paris was locked out of a defence pact between the US, UK and Australia.

Since losing a major submarine deal with Canberra, which joined an AUKUS alliance to better counter China, France has sought solace in leading Southeast Asian nations for deeper strategic ties in the Pacific region.