President Jokowi Holds Bilateral Meeting with PM Trudeau

President Jokowi Tuesday (09/05) receives an official visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. (Photo by: PR/Jay)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (09/05).

During the meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s leadership in the region as it is deemed quite influential.

“Prime Minister Trudeau also said that Indonesia’s leadership in the region is very much present and is greatly appreciated. It is especially evident when last year Indonesia chaired the G20 and this year Indonesia is chairing ASEAN,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi said in her statement after accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting.

Furthermore, President Jokowi and Prime Minister Trudeau also discussed the ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership that will soon be launched. It is also expected that the partnership will soon be followed up with concrete cooperation. In addition, both leaders were also very satisfied with the high increase in bilateral trade in 2022.

“The increase in trade is 37 percent and this has exceeded the value before the pandemic. In addition, the two leaders also agreed to strive for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations to be completed by the end of next year, the end of 2024,” Retno said.

On this occasion, President Jokowi also welcomed the establishment of a bilateral task force that is expected to promptly act on the agreements discussed by the two leaders. The President also encouraged the Pension Fund to invest in Indonesia, especially in several strategic infrastructure projects in Indonesia, including the construction of the Nusantara Capital (IKN) and a green airport in North Kalimantan province.

“The two leaders also addressed the importance of cooperation for food security. And currently, Indonesian state-owned enterprises are exploring cooperation in the procurement of potash and joint ventures with Canadian companies. And, the President strongly wishes that this can be realized soon,” the Foreign Minister said.

President Jokowi and Prime Minister Trudeau also discussed cooperation on halal certification. Meanwhile, regarding critical mineral cooperation, President Jokowi expressed hope that Canada would support Indonesia’s downstream industry policy.

“PM Trudeau also expressed his support for Indonesia’s application for the OECD and of course PM [Trudeau] will also talk to OECD members again to give positive considerations to Indonesia’s application for the OECD,” Retno said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (FI/MMB)