VP Mike Pence: Religions in Indonesia Unify the People
President Jokowi receives US Vice President Mike Pence at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta (20/4)
Vice President of the United States Michael Richard Pence or Mike Pence stated that President Donald Trump sent him to Indonesia as a sign of utmost appreciation of the United States over its strategic partnership with Indonesia.
According to Pence, as the second and third largest democratic countries in the world, the United States and Indonesia share many common values, including freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and religious diversity.
The United States is proud to partner with Indonesia to promote and protect these values, Mike Pence said in a joint press statement with President Joko Jokowi Widodo when he, accompanied by his spouse Karen Pence, was visiting the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (20/4).
Pence added that his meeting with President Jokowi discussed the possibility to conduct a more closely work between the two countries for mutual benefit of both nations, and for the benefit of Southeast Asia as a whole.
The Vice President went on to say that President Trump seek to expand the United States economic relationship with Indonesia. President Widodo and I spoke about that very openly today and we look forward to follow up this discussion, Pence said.
Pence asserted that American companies have been doing business in Indonesia for years and American products as well as services have contributed greatly to Indonesias economic development. However, Vice President Pence believes that there is still enough space for significant progress under President Trumps leadership. As President Widodo have said so often, we are looking for a win-win relationship, Pence said.
The United States, Pence carried on, is also proud to be one of Indonesias oldest and most engaged defense partners. Moreover, under President Trump, the United States is firmly committed to continue collaborating on security sector, for the sake of the people of both countries.
A stronger defense partnership will help us to overcome various security threats and challenges that we are now facing. One of the greatest threats we face is the rise and spread of terrorism, Pence firmly said.
The Vice President also said that with President Trumps leadership, the United States intends to deepen its cultural ties with the nation and the people of Indonesia. Pence added that he was honoured to have the privilege to visit Indonesias National Mosque (Istiqlal Mosque) and to speak with inter-faith figures.
As a country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesias tradition of moderate Islam is an inspiration to the world. In Indonesia, religions unify the people, it doesnt devine, it gives us hope for a brighter future. We are all grateful for the great inspiration that Indonesia shows to the world, Pence stated.
On behalf of President Trump, Vice President Pence reaffirmed the United States strategic partnership with Indonesia and declared the United States commitment to strengthen bonds of friendship, commerce, and security of the two countries.
Today, I say with confidence through our continued partnership, the United States and Indonesia will continue to maintain a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia for the benefits of our nations and the world, Pence said.
Concluding his statement, Mike Pence thanked President Jokowi for the opportunity to build on a foundation of friendship and partnership between the two nations. (UN/AGG/ES) (RA/MMB/YM/Naster)
