Indonesian President Joko Widodo welcomed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in an official visit to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (April 18, 2024). Following the meeting, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi revealed three key messages conveyed by President Jokowi.
Firstly, President Widodo emphasized the importance of enhancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the two nations. Minister Retno highlighted President Jokowi’s attention to the increasing volume and value of bilateral trade, aiming for a more balanced trade relationship. Additionally, President Jokowi expressed the need for continued market access for Indonesian products in China, including finalizing protocols for the import of Indonesian agricultural and fisheries products.
Furthermore, President Jokowi urged for cooperation in the development of the Indonesia-China Economic Corridor (IKN), particularly in the transportation sector. He also addressed issues concerning the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, advocating for technology transfer and expediting feasibility studies for its extension to Surabaya.
Moreover, President Jokowi encouraged the implementation of strategic projects in the North Kalimantan industrial zone, particularly in petrochemical investments.
Secondly, President Jokowi emphasized food security as a critical concern, stressing the importance of bilateral agricultural cooperation, especially in rice, horticulture, and durian. He highlighted the significance of studying China’s agricultural models as part of this collaboration.
Lastly, President Jokowi discussed the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing Indonesia’s commitment to diplomatic communication with various parties, including Iran and the United States. Indonesia emphasized three key points: the importance of restraint, the necessity of de-escalation, and urging countries to use their influence to prevent further escalation. Minister Retno emphasized Indonesia’s alignment with China in supporting Palestinian independence through a two-state solution. Both sides agreed on the need for a fair resolution to the Palestinian issue for stability in the Middle East. Additionally, they exchanged views on the majority support among UN member states for Palestine’s full membership in the UN, reaffirming their full support for Palestine’s UN membership.
