Jakarta, June 4 -- Foreign Minister Sugiono framed Madagascar as Indonesia's strategic gateway to Africa's vast mineral wealth, calling for deepened economic ties and fewer travel barriers between the two nations.

"Madagascar has a very strategic geographical position, which also serves as a gateway to Africa. They possess natural resources, especially minerals needed for industry and advanced technology," Sugiono said following a bilateral meeting with Madagascan Foreign Minister Alice N'Diaye in Jakarta on Wednesday (June 3).

Citing a consistently positive trend in bilateral trade, Sugiono emphasized the need to strengthen private-sector relations and explore various untapped investment opportunities.

Both countries pledged to suppor...