Without the agreement, the parties would be reluctant to accept the crew members,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Portugal have signed a bilateral agreement recognizing the certification and competency of fishing vessel crew members, a move expected to benefit workers and strengthen maritime cooperation.
The Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) reflects the strong trust and partnership between the two countries, Indonesia’s ambassador to Portugal, Susi Marleny Bachsin, said on Tuesday.
“This MRA is not merely an agreement on the mutual recognition of certification and competency standards for fishing vessel crew members, but also reflects the strong trust and partnership between Indonesia and Portugal,” she said in Jakarta.
Bachsin said the agreement marked a positive step toward strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the certification and competency of fishing vessel crew members.
She added that the success of the cooperation should be measured not only by the various economic opportunities it creates but also by the tangible benefits it delivers to workers and communities.
The signing ceremony at Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries followed a similar event in Lisbon on October 16, 2026.
“The signing of this agreement between Portugal and Indonesia marks a very important moment in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the maritime and fisheries sectors,” Bachsin said.
She said the agreement was particularly significant for the maritime and fisheries sectors, adding that Indonesian workers and Portuguese stakeholders had been eagerly awaiting its implementation.
Without the agreement, the parties would be reluctant to accept the crew members, she said.
“They have all been waiting for this because they would not accept the crew members without an agreement in place. This is why certification is important for us, so that the vessels there can operate,” she said.
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Translator: Khaerul Izan, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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