Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During Working Visits to the Philippines, Viet Nam, and Brunei Darussalam, January 9, 2024
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, accompanied by limited delegation, I will pay working visits to the Philippines, Viet Nam, and Brunei Darussalam.
My last visits to these countries were five years ago. Prime Minister, Presidents, and the Sultan have paid a visit to Indonesia more than three times. Even one of them visited Indonesia five times.
This year, Indonesia and the Philippines will commemorate the 75th celebration of the diplomatic relations. The Philippines is Indonesia’s important partner. Even the products of Indonesian defense equipment are bought by the Philippines. Also, Indonesia’s investment in the Philippines is quite significant.
Viet Nam is also one of Indonesia’s trade strategic partners in which the achievement of trade target gets better every year. Therefore, we would like to discuss the achievement targets for even better trade.
Finally, my visit to Brunei is to fulfil the wedding invitation of Prince Mateen, the son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. So, this is a special visit to Brunei and I will hold a meeting with Brunei’s businessmen to invest in Indonesia.
That concludes my remarks. The delegation and I will return to Indonesia on 14 January 2024.
Thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Press:
Pak, regarding your meeting with President Bongbong Marcos, will you two discuss South China Sea issue? As we all know, recently the US and Australian navy ships are deployed for sea-air patrols around the sea. Do you think this will reduce tension in the region?
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
Yes, that will be one of the purposes.
Press:
Pak President, what color of tie are you wearing today?
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
The colorful one.
Press:
Pak, allow me to ask you about economic cooperation. Which projects will Indonesia offer to the three countries during the meetings?
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
Well, there are indeed several projects because we have many investments in the Philippines and Viet Nam. Even, Brunei Darussalam is interested to invest more in Indonesia as I always talk about investments during ASEAN forums. In this regard, I think we need more special meetings in the Philippines, Viet Nam, and Brunei.
Press:
Bapak, one more question, Pak Anies criticized your comment about the election debate yesterday. What is your response to Pak Anies’ critics?
President of the Republic of Indonesia:
My comment was for the three candidates of President/Vice President, about future improvements, introspection as well as evaluation for all of us. I was not talking to one or two candidates.
Thank you.
(GA/EP)