President Jokowi Receives Majlis Asy-Syura, Discusses Decline in RI-Saudi Arabia’s Trade

Deputi Foreign Affairs Minister A.M. Fachir and Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saefuddin after accompaying President Jokowi when received Chairman of the Majlis Asy-Syura of Saudi Arabia on Thursday (16/2), at the Presidential Office, Jakarta

A meeting between Majlis Asy-Syura of Saudi Arabia led by its Chairman Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh and President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Thursday (16/2), at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, not only discussed King Salman’s plan to visit Indonesia, but also about the relations between the two countries, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

“President Jokowi stated that parliaments of both countries are encouraged to cooperate and support the efforts made by both governments to enhance their relations and cooperations,” Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Abdurrahman Mohammad (AM) Fachir told the reporters after accompanying President Jokowi when received Majlis Asy-Syura of Saudi Arabia.

The President particularly talked about a significant decline (36 percent) in trade and economic cooperation during 2014-2015, Fachir added.

According to Fachir, Dr. Abdullah asserted that Indonesia was not the only country to experience a sharp decline in trade volume particularly as the impact of decreasing oil prices, because almost all countries also experience it.

“President Jokowi also asked the Majlis Asy-Syura to materialize its investment plans and commitments in Indonesia,” Fachir explained.

Besides discussing the cooperation, the meeting also discussed various issues, including the protection of Indonesians in Saudi Arabia, be it for those performing the hajj, umrah, or for Indonesians living in Saudi Arabia.

Considering Dr. Abdullah has paid a special attention on terrorism, President Jokowi encouraged the parliaments of both countries to cooperate in combating terrorism and promote a tolerant and peace Islam, that is rahmatan lil’ alamin (blessing for the whole world).

For the record, Dr. Abdullah is the author of ‘Terrorism and How to Treat it’.

Fachir further said that Dr. Abdullah promises to deliver Indonesia’s wishes conveyed by President Jokowi in that meeting to related ministries of Saudi Arabia. (DNA/RAH/ES)(RA/EP/YM/Naster)