IsDB President Offers Support for Indonesia’s G20 Presidency

President Jokowi received a courtesy call from President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Mohammed Al Jasser Monday (03/28) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Photo: BPMI/Lukas)

President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Mohammed Al Jasser Monday (03/28) expressed support for the G20 Presidency of Indonesia during a courtesy call with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

“We discussed the G20 presidency and told Indonesia how proud we are of the Indonesian Presidency. We are also here to support in every possible way to make this presidency very successful despite all the challenges it faces,” President Al Jasser said in a statement after the meeting.

Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani who accompanied President Jokowi explained that President Jokowi expressed gratitude for President Al Jasser’s visit to Indonesia, while also expressing hope that Indonesia’s relationship with the Islamic Development Bank will be stronger.

“This is his first visit to Indonesia as President of the Islamic Development Bank and he also expressed hope for a closer and stronger relationship between Indonesia and the Islamic Development Bank,” said Sri Mulyani.

Furthermore, the two leaders also discussed cooperation in a number of priority development programs in Indonesia. According to her, many development priorities are drawn up within the framework of the cooperation between the Islamic Development Bank and Indonesia which cover various fields.

“First, in the education sector. The Islamic Development Bank provides a lot of supports in the development of universities in Indonesia. While in the health sector, during this pandemic the Islamic Development Bank also supports the procurement of vaccines and also in handling the pandemic,” she explained.

In addition, other development priorities are also discussed, namely the infrastructure sector, including the new renewable energy or sustainable finance which are big challenges.

“President Jokowi explained the renewable potentials in Indonesia and the issue of climate change which is very important and the Islamic Development Bank also sees this as a priority,” added Sri.

Another issue discussed and in accordance with the G20 agenda was digital technology which was also seen as a priority by President of the Islamic Development Bank.

In this context, President Al Jasser has visited various projects, including at IMERI University, to see potential research that can be shared with other member countries of the Islamic Development Bank.

“He also mentioned about the Islamic Development Bank’s support for the G20 presidency of Indonesia, which is currently facing a very challenging situation. He was also very supportive of our agenda, namely digital technology, sustainable finance, and joint health and finance architecture,” she said. (BPMI/UN) (EST/MMB)