Indonesia, Saudi Arabia Agree to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

King Salman welcomes President Jokowi at the King’s Private Palace (Al-Qasr Al-Khas), Sunday (14/4). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and King Salman have agreed to boost economic cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

“President Jokowi and King Salman have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation in the future, especially in the fields of energy and tourism,” Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said after the meeting between the President and the King at the King’s Private Palace (Al-Qasr Al-Khas), Sunday (14/4).

During the meeting, the President also praised Saudi Arabia for a 10,000 increase of annual quota for Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims.

Retno, who accompanied President Jokowi at the bilateral meeting, also stated that King Salman applauded Indonesia for its leadership in the Islamic world.

“King Salman also praised Indonesia’s leadership in maintaining stability in the region and the world,” Retno said, adding that the meeting reaffirmed a close relation between the two heads of state.

Previously, President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana were briefly engaged in a conversation with King Salman in the main waiting room of the palace before having a luncheon. “I am deeply moved because Your Majesty has invited me to this Palace,” the President said.

“I am delighted that President Jokowi can fulfill my invitation,” King Salman replied. (BPMI/EN)

Translated by : Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Edited by : Ridwan Ibadurrohman, M. Ersan Pamungkas