A high representative from the European Union is optimistic about better relations with Indonesia under the banner of the Indonesia-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) that took effect in 2014.

It is expected that closer ties between Indonesia and the EU will place both parties in a strong position to set high standards for a rules-based global order, which may dampen fears of a world full of uncertainty, EU Commission Vice President Federica Mogherini said.

“Both Europe and Indonesia believe in a rules-based global order, one where all nations respect common standards,” she told a press conference at the European Action Service (EAS) building in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday.

The EU’s foreign policy chief said the agreement in place may contribute to raising standards at home and abroad.

“This is for sure the best way and maybe the only way to deal with a globalized world. We see a lot of fear of globalization these days [and] this is our answer to that,” Mogherini said.

“We see Indonesia as an essential partner for bilateral issues and also for building a more cooperative global and regional order.”

Indonesia and the EU launched the first joint committee meeting on Monday. Both parties are expected to use the consultation framework as a platform for various initiatives currently divided between six different working groups.

The current working groups focus on trade and investment, human rights, development cooperation, politics and security and maritime affairs and fisheries.

“We are lucky that amid a global situation of conflict and uncertainty, Indonesia and the EU are able to strengthen cooperation,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said.

In April, Retno and Mogherini convened the first Indonesia-EU foreign ministers strategic dialogue in Jakarta, followed by an official visit by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to EU institutions in Brussels.

A backlash against globalization has taken hold in much of the Western world of late, demonstrated by the UK referendum vote for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump as the United States’ next president. The backlash has come about in response to a wave of terror attacks across the globe.

In Europe, more and more countries are moving to the right with nationalistic sentiments unfriendly toward migrants, especially those from the war-ravaged Middle East.

Now the EU is looking to Indonesia in search of a remedy.

Mogherini revealed a plan to set up an exchange program for religious scholars and leaders from the EU and Indonesia, which she said had been inspired by Indonesia’s ability to achieve unity in diversity.

“When I visited [Retno] in Jakarta, I remember very well that I was impressed with the model of society you have and also the model of living together with different communities in your country,” she said.

“I came back to Brussels and gave some homework to my team to look at the possibility of launching an exchange program for religious scholars and leaders and I’m glad to announce that this will be done next year.”

Retno said the exchange program was another way for Indonesia and the EU to contribute to world peace.

Additionally, Indonesia also launched the EU-approved Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license for Indonesian timber under the CPA framework, which reduces red tape for Indonesian timber exports into the European market.

The license is issued under a voluntary partnership agreement with the EU. Indonesia is the first country in the world to have a sustainable timber certification that complies with strict European standards.

Retno also hinted at the possibility of exploring ways to improve state certification for Indonesian oil palm products in a similar way to timber.

She will meet with EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström on Tuesday in relation to the ongoing negotiations around the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Both partners agreed to extend negotiations beyond the first round concluded in September. The second round will commence in January.

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