President Jokowi Hopes to Strengthen Indonesia-Japan Relations

By Office of Assistant to Deputy Cabinet Secretary for State Documents & Translation     Date 25 Juni 2018
Category: News
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President Jokowi receives the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Taro Kono at the Merdeka Palace, Monday (25/6). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat).

President Jokowi receives the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Taro Kono at the Merdeka Palace, Monday (25/6). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that Japan is a strategic partner for Indonesia and expressed his hope that the two countries can enhance cooperation in various fields in the future.

“This year we commemorate 60 years of bilateral relations. It should be a new momentum for strengthening our cooperation in various fields,” President Jokowi said when receiving the courtesy call of Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Taro Kono, at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (25/6).

For the record, Japan makes a lot of investments in Indonesia. In 2017, the “Land of the Rising Sun” has invested no less than US$ 5 billion in Indonesia.

“During my administration, infrastructure development is done intensively. I am glad that Japan plays a role in infrastructure development in Indonesia, “the President said.

In addition to infrastructure, the President hopes that the Japanese Government can also increase cooperation for integrated fisheries development, particularly in Indonesia’s outer islands such as Sabang and Morotai. Japan is also expected to make Indonesia as a manufacturing base for the Asian market.

“I also expect Japan to increase cooperation in developing the production of lithium batteries and electric cars,” President Jokowi added.

In relation to regional and international cooperation, Indonesia invited Japan and all countries to maintain respect for international law. The President further said that Indonesia welcomes the positive development of peace efforts on the Korean peninsula and hopes that the countries can continue to communicate to develop the inclusive Indo-Pacific concept which promotes cooperation and dialogue as well as prioritizes respect for international law.

President Jokowi also welcomed Japan’s commitment in helping the struggle of the Palestinian people. Japan and Indonesia are very active in providing assistance to the Palestinians through the CEAPAD (Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development).

The third meeting of foreign ministers of the CEAPAD members will be held in Bangkok from 26 to 27 June 2018, during which the Japanese and Indonesian Foreign Ministers will be present.

“Indonesia is committed to support the struggle of the Palestinian people,” President Jokowi said.

Ending the talk, the President invited Japan to give full support for the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang.

Also present during the event were Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Special Envoy of the President for Japan Rachmat Gobel, and Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Arifin Tasrif.

(BPMI Setpres/ES) (RI/MMB/Naster)

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