President Jokowi, US President Discuss Strengthening of Bilateral Cooperation

President Joko Widodo engage in discussion on strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and the United States in a bilateral meeting with President of the United States Joe Biden, in Glasgow, Scotland, Monday (01/11) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday (01/11) at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow, Scotland held a bilateral meeting with President of the United States Joe Biden on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

On that occasion, the President addressed four things related to bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the US. They are as follows.

First, President Jokowi praised cooperation with the US in the health sector during the pandemic, including distribution of vaccine stocks through dose-sharing mechanism, ventilators, therapeutic drugs, and other medical devices.

The President revealed that Indonesia is interested to be a part of the global supply chain in the health sector through the development of Indonesia’s healthcare industry.

Second, the President underlined the importance of strengthening economic cooperation, especially in pursuing a green economy. According to him, Indonesia can become a reliable partner for economic cooperation.

Third, regarding climate change, the President reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Indonesia has shown a significant drop to a record low in the deforestation rate as well as forest fires in the past 20 years.

“I will restore 600 thousand hectares of mangrove forests in the next three years. This will be the world’s largest mangrove forest conservation,” he said.

In the energy sector, President Jokowi explained that the Indonesian Government has launched Indonesia’s transformation towards new and renewable energy, as well as economic acceleration based on green technology.

The President also invited the US to invest in new and renewable energy, including in the development of electric cars and lithium battery ecosystems.

“I look forward to the US support through investment that will accelerate energy transition, particularly low-carbon technologies,” he added.

Fourth, President Jokowi expressed his highest appreciation for the support of the US to Indonesia’s G20 presidency which will raise the theme “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”.

Inclusivity will be the key to Indonesia’s successful presidency next year, the President added.

In the presidency, the President added, Indonesia aspires to encourage concrete cooperation in a number of main sectors, namely ensuring an inclusive digital transition for growth and development, encouraging investment and transfer of affordable low-carbon technology, as well as inclusive finance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and marginalized groups, such as women and vulnerable groups.

“We must make G20 relevant not only for its members but also for the world, especially developing countries,” the President said.

In addition, the two leaders also exchanged views on various international issues, including global democracy related to Myanmar and Afghanistan.

The one-hour meeting between the two Presidents was conducted in a very warm and friendly manner. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RIF/EP)