President Jokowi to Attend ASEAN Summit, APEC Summit
President Jokowi talks with Vice President Jusuf Kalla before leading a limited meeting, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (8/11). (Photo by: Rahmat/Public Relations Division)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo is slated to attend the ASEAN Summit in Singapore on 13-15 November and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Papua New Guinea on 17-18 November.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said that during the working visit to Singapore, the President is also scheduled to attend other summits, including ASEAN +1 and ASEAN +3.
We have a very tight schedule in Singapore. There will be more than 17-20 meetings in 2.5 days. There are several bilateral meetings that we still have to prepare, particularly in terms of time. It will be very busy, Retno told reporters after a limited meeting at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (8/11).
Retno added that there are two issues to be raised by the President at the ASEAN Summit, namely the concept on the Indo Pacific, particularly in the context of the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the issue of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
For the record, Indonesia currently serves as chairman of the negotiating team.
We will stress the importance of the RCEP and there will be a summit on RCEP in which the leaders are expected to give more commitment so that the RCEP negotiations can be finalized soon, given that the 10+6 or 16 countries will become a building block to achieving a large trade, Retno said, adding that the President will also deliver the message to continue the negotiations at the upcoming RCEP Summit.
Other issues expected to be discussed at the ASEAN Summit, according to Retno, are related to Palestine and Rakhine State.
In the meantime, the APEC Summit is expected to discuss the issues of digital economy and the future of APEC, especially the APECs Post-2020 Agenda, Reno added.
Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Head Thomas Lembong will represent Indonesia at the APEC Summit Ministerial Meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. (MAY/RAH/ES).
Translated by: Muhardi
Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
