President Jokowi Welcomes Vietnamese President at Bogor Palace

President Jokowi welcomes President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyễn Xuân Phúc at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java province, Thursday (12/22) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Ibu Iriana Jokowi Thursday (12/22) officially welcomed President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyễn Xuân Phúc at Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java province.

President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, the First Lady, and the entourage arrived at the palace at around 10:00 Western Indonesia Time and were also welcomed by cavalry troops, troops in traditional attire, and the marching band of the Presidential Security Detail.

The welcoming ceremony was followed by singing of Vietnamese national anthem Tiến Quân Ca and Indonesian national anthem Indonesia Raya, 21-gun salute, and an inspection of troops.

Afterwards, the two leaders introduced their respective delegates.

The two leaders then headed to the Teratai Room for a photo session and guest book signing. After having a conversation on the veranda of Bogor Presidential Palace, the two leaders planted an Hopea odorata tree (locally known as Merawan) in the backyard of the palace.

The next agenda was a tête-à-tête meeting on the veranda of the [alace and followed by a bilateral meeting.

During the bilateral meeting, President Jokowi reinforced Indonesia’s commitment to continue strengthening strategic partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam, while appealing to President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc to strengthen ASEAN.

“Next year, Indonesia will chair ASEAN Chairmanship. Support from Vietnam for Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship will be greatly appreciated,” he remarked.

After the bilateral meeting, the two leaders were slated to deliver a joint press conference. (JW/FID/UN) (AP/EP)