President Jokowi Meets with King Philippe of Belgium

President Jokowi meets King Philippe of Belgium in Brussels (21/4)

After meeting with three Presidents of the European Union, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in a working visit to Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium, on Thursday (21/4) met with the King of Belgium, Phillipe, in the Royal Palace.

In the event, President Jokowi on behalf of the Government and people of Indonesia conveyed his condolences to the King for the bomb attack that hit Brussels last month, which claimed many victims, and caused 2 Indonesian severely injured.

“Indonesia condemned the bombings,” President Jokowi said while reminding the importance to strengthen counter terrorism cooperation.

On the occasion, King Philippe appreciated the process of democracy and tolerance in Indonesia. In relation to such issue, the President explained the diversity in Indonesia which consists of various ethnics and religions.

President Jokowi also said that Indonesia is ready to cooperate with Belgium on interreligious dialogue as well as youth and religious figures exchange.

According to the President, Indonesia is very active in spreading the values of tolerance and moderation. “I wish that we would be able to be the world’s leaders who can spread out the tolerance and peace, including by utilizing information technology,” President Jokowi said.

In the event, King Philippe invited President Jokowi to pay a state visit to Belgium in 2017. President Jokowi has responded positively to the invitation.

Cooperation on Economy

King Philippe admitted that he observes the development of Indonesia closely and gave his high credit to the economic development in Indonesia. King Philippe also supported for economic deregulation conducted by President Jokowi. “Indonesia’s economy is remarkable,” King Philippe praised.

Meanwhile, President Jokowi conveyed Indonesia’s worries on several discriminative measures from EU countries to Indonesian Crude Palm Oil’s product. “I believe Belgium will not take those discriminative measures,” the President stated.

Furthermore, President Jokowi also expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the decision to select Indonesia as the guest country of 2017 Europalia Indonesia Festival as well as for the invitation to attend the inauguration of the festival.

“The festival is an opportunity for Indonesia to show the richness of Indonesian culture. I hope Your Majesty would support us for the success of the event,” President Jokowi said.

In the event, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister of Trade Thomas Lembong, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung. (TKP/ES) (RAS/LW/YM/Naster)