Indonesia, 12 Friendly Countries to Reinforce Bilateral Relations

President Jokowi, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, engages in a conversation with Malaysian Ambassador Zainal Abidin bin Bakar, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (7/8). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from twelve friendly countries discussed means to strengthen bilateral relations after credentials ceremony at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (7/8).

“During the meeting, the ambassadors also congratulated the President on his re-election,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said after accompanying President Jokowi to receive credentials from the new ambassadors.

The Foreign Minister stated that the ambassadors have expressed their hopes to improve bilateral relations with Indonesia, mainly in economy, trade, and investment. In addition, some countries talked specifically about capacity building, infrastructure, education, and others.

The Minister pointed out that during the talk with Turkish Ambassador, both countries discussed Indonesia Turkey Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. “Hopefully, this year the negotiations could be completed so that next year the agreement could be signed to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations with Turkey,” Retno stated

The Minister went on to say that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan plans to visit Indonesia next year. “We still need to resolve some matters. We will put on our efforts to complete it by the end of this year so that (the agreement) will be ready to be signed during President Erdoğan’s visit,” she said.

In the meantime, for the first time, Indonesia has also successfully completed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) negotiation with Mozambique which will be signed during Indonesia Africa Infrastructure Dialogue on the third week of this month, in Bali.

“This is a continuation of last year’s Indonesia Africa Forum. However, this year, the focus is on infrastructure,” Retno stated, adding that the focus of economic cooperation includes organization of Indonesia Africa Infrastructure Dialogue (IAID). (HIM/JAY/ES)

Translated by : Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Edited by : Ridwan Ibadurrohman, Mia M. Bonaedy