Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on International Working Visits, 29 October 2021 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten Province

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Today, I will begin international working visits to three countries, namely Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

On the first two visits, I will attend the G20 Summit in Rome, Italy, on 30-31 October 2021 and the COP-26 World Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, on 1-2 November 2021.

In addition to attending the main event of the G20 summit, I have been invited to be a speaker at the side event to speak about micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the role of women. This invitation shows the world’s recognition to our policy siding with MSMEs and the role of women in MSMEs. Moreover, I will hold several bilateral meetings with a number of world leaders.

In the end of the G20 Summit, Indonesia will hold the G20 Presidency from Italy. Indonesia’s Presidency will run from 1 December 2021 until 30 November 2022.

The G20 activities under the Indonesia’s Presidency will begin in December this year. This is a great honor for us, for Indonesia, and at the same time it is a great responsibility that we have to carry out properly.

After attending the G20 Summit, I will visit Glasgow to attend the COP-26 World Leaders’ Summit on the Climate Change, on 1-2 November 2021. This Summit will be led by Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson and will be attended by around 120 Heads of State and Government.

A few days ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson called me to discuss preparations for the Summit. Indonesia’s stance on the climate change issue is consistent and we are working hard to fulfill our commitment. We do not want to get involved in rhetoric that in the end we cannot implement it.

Related to climate change issue, Indonesia plays a vital role, a very strategic role, considering Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest tropical and mangrove forests in the world. It has been Indonesia’s commitment to be part of the solution. The climate change issue must continue to be put within the framework in achieving the SDGs targets so that the results will be sustainable.

I also plan to visit Indonesian Pavilion where Indonesia will showcase the achievements and cooperation opportunities in tackling climate change. Just like at the G20 Summit, I will also hold several bilateral meetings at the COP-26 World Leaders’ Summit. Moreover, I will conduct business meetings with business leaders from the United Kingdom who are planning to invest in Indonesia.

From Glasgow, I will visit the United Arab Emirates, 3-4 November 2021. This will be my first bilateral visit during COVID-19 pandemic. I will seize this visit to strengthen cooperation, particularly in trade and investment sectors. There will be business meetings that I will attend and the results will bring benefits to our economy. I will certainly hold a meeting with Crown Prince and Ruler of Dubai. Last but not least, I will visit Dubai Expo, where we can see the Indonesian Pavilion.

I will arrive in Indonesia on 5 November 2021 in the morning.

That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (AP/MUR)