Canada Expresses Support for Indonesia’s G20 Presidency

President Jokowi receives courtesy call from Canadian Foreign Minister Malanie Joly at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday (04/11). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Lukas)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (04/11) received a courtesy call from Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and her limited delegate at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

According to Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, who accompanied the Head of State during the meeting, her Canadian counterpart expressed Canada’s support for Indonesia’s G20 presidency.

“During the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada reiterated Canada’s support for Indonesia’s presidency,” Retno said in her press statement after the meeting, adding that Canada also stated its commitment to continuing open communication with Indonesia to prepare the best way for G20 in facing the current difficult situation.

Retno also stated that Indonesia has received similar support from all G20 member countries.

“Therefore, we aim to effectuate the support, to make cooperation so that once again G20 can work optimally amid this tough situation,” she said.

During the meeting, Indonesia and Canada also discussed economic cooperation between the two countries, considering that Canada is a fairly important trade and investment partner for Indonesia in the North American region.

Retno pointed out that trade value between Canada and Indonesia in 2021 grew significantly by almost 30 percent, with the investment value also increasing by almost 4 percent.

President Jokowi, Retno added, also underscored the importance of both countries to strengthen cooperation in economy by, among others, intensifying the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiation that has begun since last March.

“The President has stated the need to speed up the negotiation. In addition, cooperation in clean energy, infrastructure, and other sectors was also discussed. Canadian investors are interested to continue to invest in Indonesia,” she remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (DH/EP)