President Jokowi and President Macron Discuss Four Points

President Jokowi and French President Emmanuel Macron hold a bilateral meeting at Grand Prince Hotel, Hiroshima, Japan, Sunday (05/21). (Photo: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, at Grand Prince Hotel, Hiroshima, Japan, on Sunday (05/21). During the meeting, both presidents discussed at least four points, including Indonesia’s membership in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and issues on defense.

“First, Indonesia’s membership in FATF, I hope France will support Indonesia’s membership in FATF since Indonesia is the only G20 country that has not become an FATF’s member yet,” President Jokowi stated.

Second, President Jokowi also expressed hope that President Macron will support Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUE-CEPA) to be finalized next year.

Third, both leaders also discussed investment in strategic sectors. President Jokowi welcomed the participation of French companies in Indonesia’s dowstreaming projects and the assistance given by France through The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) as much as 500 million Euros and Just Energy Transition Partnership.

President Jokowi also realized the importance to follow up the cooperation between Hydrogene de France (HDF) and PT Bukit Asam to develop hydrogen-based technology, and the cooperation between Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD) and Yayasan Biru Indonesia for a sustainable development.

“Indonesia also opens the opportunities to invest in Nusantara Capital in infrastructure, green energy, and ecotourism. We have prepared incentives and facilities for the investment,” he added.

Fourth, in defense and Primary Weaponry Defense System (alutsista), President Jokowi welcomed the joint venture plan of PT Len Industri and Thales.

“Let us encourage technology and knowledge transfer, as well as joint production,” he further said.

At the meeting, president Jokowi also invited France to participate in the meeting of ASEAN – Indo-Pacific Forum in Jakarta in September.

“I invite France’s private sectors to participate in the implementation of concrete cooperation of ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). I also invite France’s participation in ASEAN – Indo-Pacific Forum in Jakarta in September,” he extended the invitation.

In the meeting, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L. Marsudi. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat / UN)(AW/HD)