Indonesia, South Africa Sign Three MoUs

President Jokowi and South African President Jacob Zuma have the so-called Veranda Talk, at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta. Wednesday (8/3). (Photo: PR/Jay)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that Indonesia and South Africa are two emerging countries of the G-20 and the two countries are keen to promote the South-South cooperation. “Indonesia hopes that the partnership between Indonesia and South Africa in driving the South-South cooperation including through the Asian-African new strategic partnership can be intensified,” President Jokowi said in a joint press conference with South African President Jacob Zuma after bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (8/3) afternoon.

According to the President, efforts to increase trade cooperation have been discussed in bilateral meetings between the delegates of the Government of Indonesia and the Government of the Republic of South Africa. “We agreed to immediately discuss the reduction in tariff and non-tariff barriers for top commodities and products,” President Jokowi said.

In addition, the President continued, Indonesia proposed to increase wider trade cooperation between Indonesia and the Southern African Custom Union (SACU) and the two countries agreed to assign the relevant ministers to take the follow-up actions.

President Jokowi admitted that he has told President Zuma that in the next two months, Indonesian ministers and businessmen will pay a visit to South Africa.

As a follow-up to the 2017 IORA Summit, according to the President, the two countries agreed to hold a maritime dialogue in the future. “Indonesia will invite South Africa to participate in the Indonesian-African maritime dialogue,” the President continued.

The President added that the two countries agreed to sign three MoUs on visa exemption for the bearers of diplomatic and service passport; diplomatic training and education; and action plan on the 2017-2021 Indonesian – South African strategic partnership.

President Jokowi admitted that he is so thrilled to be able to receive a state visit of South African President Jacob Zuma to Indonesia. The visit was paid after 12 years ago. The President also expressed his gratitude for the support given by South Africa over the Indonesia’s chairmanship in IORA. He emphasized that Indonesia is committed to supporting South Africa in the IORA chairmanship for the period of 2017-2019. (FID/JAY/ES) (MUR/YM/Naster).