Russian President Plans to Visit Indonesia: Foreign Minister

President Jokowi, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, receives a credential letter from an Ambassador at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (4/4). (Photo by: Agung/Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat).

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently won Presidential election in his country, plans to undertake an official visit to Indonesia in the near future, according to Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi.

The Minister informed journalists about the plan after accompanying President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo receive credentials from 11 Ambassadors of friendly countries, including Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Georgievna Vorobieva at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (4/4).

According to Retno, President Putin’s visit was briefly discussed during the delivery of credential letters. However, since President Putin will be inaugurated in May, the exact time of the visit will be confirmed after the official inauguration.

Retno added that during a talk with the Russian Ambassador, President Jokowi and the Ambassador discussed economic matters. She added that Indonesian population plus Russian population equals 400 million people and trade volume between the two countries still ranges between 2.6 to 3 billion US dollars.

“We aim to increase trade volume with Russia to up to 5 billion US dollars,” the Minister said.

Along with bilateral cooperation, trade and investment cooperation with Russia is also implemented through the Eurasian Economic Union, Retno added.

“We have submitted a negotiation proposal with the Eurasian Economic Union, in which Russia is a member state. We hope Russia continues to support Indonesia,” Retno concluded. (DNA/AGG/ES) (RI/EP/Naster)