MOSCOW, July 28. /TASS/. Russian companies are showcasing their expertise in the field of rare earth metals to Indonesia, and the two sides are exploring opportunities for cooperation, Ambassador to Jakarta Sergey Tolchenov told TASS in an interview.

"Western countries are looking for partners in the region who could replace China as a source of rare earth elements. There are no practical examples of this from the Russian side yet, but opportunities are being explored. In particular, Russian companies are showcasing their expertise in the field of rare earth elements to the Indonesian side," the diplomat noted.

"There is an understanding that we have good technology, but the next stage of negotiations will focus on how all of this can and will be implemented, under what conditions, and which specific reserves will be discussed. There is plenty to discuss, though it is currently at a slightly less advanced stage than aluminum, for example," Tolchenov pointed out.