-- Indonesia says its new crude oil and LPG deal with Russia will not affect its relations with the United States, stressing that it maintains strong ties with both countries, the Jakarta Globe reported Thursday.
Foreign ministry officials said the agreement reflects Jakarta's strategy of diversifying energy sources to strengthen national energy security amid global supply pressures.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy allows it to cooperate with multiple partners as long as existing commitments, including a separate US energy deal, are honored, reportedly.
The comments come after Indonesia signed deals with Russia while also pledging significant energy imports from the United States under a prior arrangement, the news outlet said.
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