Welcomes the President of Italy, President Jokowi: This Visit Has Important Meaning for Both Countries

President of the Republic of Italy Sergio Mattarella accompanied by President Jokowi inspect the honor guard in the courtyard of Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday (9/11) afternoon

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a visit from the President of the Republic of Italy Sergio Mattarella, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (9/11) afternoon. The arrival of the President of the Republic of Italy is greeted with a state ceremony, which is played the national anthem of both countries.

President Jokowi in his speech say welcome and thank you to President of Italy, and hoped relations between Indonesia and Italy, especially in the economic field, will be better.

“This is the first state visit of the President of Italy, of course, has an important meaning for bilateral relations between Indonesia and Italy. Moreover, this visit is also accompanied by a business delegation from Italy,” President Jokowi said.

President Jokowi also expressed his congratulations on the implementation of the Milan World Expo, which Indonesia participates actively in the Expo.

In addition to discuss energy cooperation, logistics, infrastructure, and tourism, in a visit also signed a memorandum of understanding between the two governments, ie improvement of bilateral relations particularly in the economic field.

During the visit, President of the Republic of Italy Sergio Mattarella, who accompanied by 30 prominent businessmen Italy, has obtained an agreement for a new investment of 1.055 billion US dollars.

President of the Italian Sergio Mattarella on that occasion expressed his appreciation to Indonesia for the role in the Southeast Asian region and the international community.

President of Italy also praised the harmony of life in Indonesia, where among religions can coexist in harmony here. “In accordance with the motto of Indonesia “Unity in Diversity” is an excellent example, which given by Indonesia to the world,” Mattarella said.

Accompanying President Jokowi when receiving the visit of President of Italy, among others Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, and Minister of Transportation Ignatius Jonan. (FID/RAH/ES)