President Jokowi, PM Morrison of Australia Hold Bilateral Meeting to Discuss Vaccination, Economic Recovery

By Office of Assistant to Deputy Cabinet Secretary for State Documents & Translation     Date 30 Oktober 2021
Category: News
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President Joko Widodo holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, Saturday (30/10). (Photo by: Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Saturday (30/10), held a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart PM Scott Morrison to discuss issues related to vaccination, economic recovery, and climate change during his working agenda in Rome, Italy at Splendide Royal Hotel.

“I am pleased with the ongoing development of our bilateral relations. First of all, let me express my appreciation for Australia’s vaccine support for Indonesia. As many as 1.2 million doses of vaccine arrived last week and we will gladly receive the upcoming arrival of 10.5 million vaccine doses,” he said.

The President pointed out that the COVID-19 situation in Indonesia has greatly improved with positivity rate below one percent and more than 185 million doses of vaccine administered.

“Not less importantly, we continue to enforce health protocols,” he added.

According to President Jokowi, the improved COVID-19 management trend has opened a room for Indonesia and Australia to embark on economic recovery, including in the tourism sector. Therefore, he proposed for the establishment of vaccinated travel lane (VTL) with Australia and cooperation on vaccine certificate recognition of the two countries.

“I understand that each of our Foreign Minister has communicated the possibilities of the cooperation. I hope VTL and vaccine certificate recognition can be completed soon. I am certain that it will boost the acceleration of economic recovery in a safe manner,” he said.

The President also expressed hope that both countries can continue to cooperate in the development of green economy and energy transition, adding that affordable technology and investment play a vital role in the success of economic transformation.

“Therefore, I agree to the Joint Statement on Cooperation on the Green Economy and Energy Transition. The cooperation encompassed in the joint statement is in line with the spirit of Indonesia’s G20 Presidency in 2022,” he said.

President Jokowi went on to say that under Indonesia’s Presidency, he will push for concrete cooperation in several main sectors, including digital sector, energy transition, and financial inclusivity. He also expressed hope to ensure inclusive digital transition for growth and development.

Furthermore, the President stated that in the energy transition sector, G20 must be able to guarantee the availability of low carbon technology with affordable prices, thus, energy transition can be carried out by every country.

As for the financial inclusivity sector, the President specifically gave an emphasis on MSMEs and the role of women.

“I hope Australia strongly support those three proposals from Indonesia. I also hope that I will be able to welcome Your Excellency personally next year at G20 Summit in Bali on 30-31 October 2022,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (DH/MUR)

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