President Jokowi, Cook Islands PM Hold Bilateral Meeting

President Jokowi holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown at the Rihga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima, Japan, Saturday (05/20). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown Saturday (05/20) held first bilateral meeting since 2019 at the Rihga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima, Japan.

“It is our first meeting since we established bilateral relations in 2019. I also congratulate Your Honourable Mark Brown for the Chairmanship of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF),” the President said in his remarks.

On that occasion, the President said that Indonesia and the Cook Islands must unite and join hands to face the challenges of oceanic issues and climate change since the two countries are part of the Pacific Islands.

“Indonesia is desired to get more involved in supporting the development of the Pacific countries. We are also developing a roadmap for development cooperation in the Pacific as a follow-up to the Indonesia-Pacific Forum for Development,” he said.

In addition, Indonesia and the Cook Islands also have opportunities to increase cooperation in other sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and natural disaster management.

“I hope we can realize cooperation that makes the Pacific a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region with a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect for the sovereignty and integrity of each other’s territory,” he added.

“I am convinced that Your Honourable shares the same view and will also voice that matter at the Pacific Islands Forum,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RIF/MUR)