An equal partnership between Indonesia and the United States (U.S.) is expected to produce win-win cooperation. This was really emphasized by both parties.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo received eight members of the United States (U.S.) congress on Wednesday (May 3) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, and discussed a number of issues including the importance of increasing the equal partnership.

"So the partnership is based on equality and is expected to produce win-win cooperation. This is really emphasized by both parties, an equal partnership," Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said in her statement after accompanying President Widodo.

Apart from the equal partnership, the meeting also discussed the importance of conducting a limited free trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States in the near future.

According to Retno, Indonesia has conveyed its readiness to start discussing the agreement.

President Widodo also expressed his appreciation for the United States' support for Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN, the foreign minister said, adding that Indonesia highly appreciates the support of the United States as an important partner for ASEAN.

“The president also hopes that America would continue to provide support for the implementation of the 'ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific'," she added.

During the meeting, the president also stressed the importance of issues regarding market access and non-discriminatory treatment of Indonesian export goods to the United States.

The head of state likewise conveyed Indonesia's strong determination to develop the downstream industry and the country's hope to become part of the supply chain of the United States and the world.

"The president also hopes that the GSP (generalized system of preferences) facility would receive support to be continued for Indonesia," the minister said.

Also accompanying the president in the meeting was the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Reporting by Indonesia Window