President Jokowi Begins Working Visit to Three Countries

President Jokowi prior to his departure to Rome, Italy, at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Friday (29/10) morning. (Photo by: BPMI/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday (29/10) began a series of visits to three countries, namely Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In Italy, President Jokowi is scheduled to attend the G20 Summit in Rome on 30-31 October. During this occasion, he is also slated to speak at a side event on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and women empowerment.

“The invitation shows the world’s recognition of our policies and alignment with MSMEs and the role of women in the MSMEs,” the President said in his press statement at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten.

President Jokowi further said that the handover of the G20 Presidency from Italy to Indonesia will take place on the second day of the Summit and Indonesia will assume the G20 Presidency for one year, starting from 1 December 2021 to 30 November 2022.

From Rome, the President will head to Glasgow, UK, to be present at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) that scheduled to be held on 1-2 November. The COP26 will be chaired by the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and will be attended by 120 heads of state and heads of government.

President Jokowi underscored Indonesia’s position on the issue of climate change is very consistent and the Indonesian Government will continue to work hard to fulfill the commitments. He also added that the country also plays a strategic role in this issue because Indonesia is one of the countries having the largest tropical and mangrove forests in the world.

“The climate change issues must continue to be put within the framework of SDGs achievement so the results will be sustainable,” the President said, adding that he is also slated to meet a number of UK business leaders who are planning to invest in Indonesia.

After attending the COP26, President Jokowi will head to the UAE to meet with the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ), and Emir of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid on 3-4 November. The meeting will discuss measures to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of trade and investment.

Ending his visit to the UAE, the President is also scheduled to come to Indonesian Pavilion at the Dubai Expo and he will arrive in Indonesia on 5 November. (TGH/UN) (GWH/MMB)