The tête-à-tête, the first between the two top diplomats in Washington, highlighted several key regional and international issues, including the South China Sea and developments in the Middle East.

Sugiono, who is part of a high-ranking Indonesian delegation to discuss Trump’s trade tariffs with the White House until next week, wasted no opportunity in pitching to the Republican politician several of Indonesia’s key domestic issues, including food and energy security, as well as downstreaming.

The US-Indonesia economic partnership must be strengthened, Sugiono told his US counterpart as quoted in a statement from the Indonesian government, with priorities brought forth by President Prabowo Subianto’s administration having “opened up avenues for concrete collaboration with the US government”.

“The Indonesian government has made various deregulatory steps to facilitate and create a conducive environment for foreign investors,” said Sugiono, who also touted investment opportunities in the supply chain, including for the critical minerals sector.

Rubio asserted during the meeting the need for improved defense and security cooperation, as part of the two countries’ “shared interest in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” as highlighted in Washington’s official statement.

“[This includes] efforts to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law,” US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.