Indonesian President’s visit to China strengthens two countries’ intimacy: President Xi

26 July 2022

During the meeting, the two leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial economic cooperation for both countries as well as the region and the world.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping at Villa 14, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Beijing, on Tuesday afternoon.

In his introductory remarks, President Xi welcomed the Indonesian President and expressed his joy at being able to meet his Indonesian counterpart in person, according to a written statement from the Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia received here on Tuesday.

“His Excellency is the first Head of State received by the Chinese side following the Beijing Winter Olympics. This is enough to prove how intimate the relationship between the two sides is,” Xi said.

Meanwhile, President Jokowi in his speech also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome to him and the Indonesian delegation.

During the meeting, the two leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial economic cooperation for both countries as well as the region and the world.

“China is Indonesia’s comprehensive strategic partner. We must fill this partnership with cooperation that is beneficial for our country, and at the same time for the region and the world,” President Jokowi said.

In addition to economic cooperation, the two leaders discussed a number of regional and world issues, including the G20 and ASEAN matters.

“As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has an important place for China and the region. Especially now that Indonesia holds the G20 Presidency and next year will be the Chair of ASEAN,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in her statement after the meeting.

“Indonesia expresses its appreciation for China’s support for Indonesia’s chairmanship in the G20. Regarding ASEAN, Indonesia is committed to making ASEAN relevant, not only for the Indonesian people but also for those of the region and the world,” Retno added.

Retno continued that President Xi appreciated President Jokowi’s efforts to seek peace and improve the humanitarian situation, including visits to Kyiv, Ukraine and Moscow, Russia.

“These visits are considered by President Xi to show Indonesia’s responsibility as a big country,” the Indonesian foreign minister said.

The two leaders also discussed the importance of mutually beneficial concrete cooperation in the context of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

“If concrete cooperation can be realized, it is hoped that the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of developing countries can be better,” Retno added.

In addition, the Indonesian foreign minister stated that China is committed to increasing green economic cooperation, including the construction of a Green Industrial Park in North Kalimantan Province.

“President Xi also emphasized his commitment to increasing imports of Indonesian agricultural products,” Retno noted.

Meanwhile, in President Jokowi’s meetings with China’s Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping in Beijing today, the two countries have agreed on a number of collaborations, namely:

Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Synergy of the World Maritime Axis and Belt Road Initiative
An MoU on vaccine and genomics development and research cooperation
An MoU on green development
Maritime cooperation arrangements
A Protocol on Indonesian pineapple exports
Arrangements for cooperation in the exchange of information and enforcement of customs violations
An Action plan for cybersecurity and technology capacity building cooperation.

Accompanying President Jokowi in the meeting with Prime Minister Li were Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of State Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Agency Bahlil Lahadalia , and the Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun.

Reporting by Indonesia Window