President Jokowi Receives Courtesy Call from French Defense Minister
President Jokowi receives a courtesy call from Defense Minister of the French Republic Florence Parly, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (02/10). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Lukas)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo received a courtesy call from Defense Minister of the French Republic Florence Parly, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (02/10).
During the meeting, President Jokowi addressed a number of issues, including defense cooperation between the two countries.
In this regard, the President welcomed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on defense cooperation, including aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, submarine development, satellite procurement, as well as the production of large-caliber ammunition.
The President expressed hope that the defense cooperation between the two countries will not only focus on the primary weaponry system (Alutsista).
“I hope the defense cooperation will not only focus on purchasing Alutsista equipment, but also on joint development and production, transfer of technology, and investment in the defense industry,” the President said.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also expressed hope that negotiations on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the European Union can make further progress under France’s Presidency in the European Union.
At the same time, the President sought support from the French Republic for Indonesia’s G20 Presidency.
“Indonesia is looking forward to France’s support for Indonesia’s Presidency at the G20, especially regarding the concrete cooperation that can be created through the G20,” he said.
The Head of State also highlighted that strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation in the economic sector is pivotal.
President Jokowi and his French counterpart President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to make the Indo-Pacific a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
“Our 2+2 dialogue mechanism will become a strategic forum to manifest the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” the President said.
Before concluding the meeting, President Jokowi also sought support from the French so that pencak silat (Indonesian martial art) can be included in the exhibition match at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
