President Jokowi Receives Canadian PM At The Palace, Discusses Strengthening Partnerships With ASEAN

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo received Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Jakarta Presidential Palace, after chairing a number of sessions at the 43rd ASEAN Summit at the Jakarta Jakarta Jakarta Jakarta Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

PM Trudeau arrived at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta at around 17.00 WIB. PM Trudeau's presence was greeted by President Joko Widodo on the terrace of the Merdeka Palace Courtyard, Jakarta and with an honorary ceremony.

President Jokowi and PM Trudeau then spoke privately at the veranda behind the Merdeka Palace and then held a bilateral meeting.

In delivering bilateral meetings, President Widodo expressed his hope that the ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership would strengthen regional cooperation with Canada.

"Tomorrow (Wednesday, 6/9), the ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership will be launched. I hope it will increase cooperation between us," said Joko Widodo as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 5.

President Widodo also said he wanted to discuss a number of issues, including trade and investment.

"I am very happy that our trade value will increase 37 percent in 2022 and exceed the level during the pandemic," he explained.

Meanwhile, PM Trudeau expressed his gratitude to Indonesia because his chairman in ASEAN this time involved Canada again.

According to him, the launch of the ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership is very important for Canada and the region.

"Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing areas in the world and Indonesia's leadership in these developing countries is extraordinary," explained PM Trudeau.

Canada has seen tremendous growth in bilateral relations with ASEAN countries over the past few years.

However, according to him, there are still many things that must be done that will produce good growth, good employment, and good opportunities for the people of ASEAN and Canada.

Trudeau also expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome given to the Canadian basketball team in Indonesia, when the Canadian team competed in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta some time ago.

According to him, this is an extraordinary example of Canada's strong ties with Indonesia.

Trudeau also said that he was looking forward to talks at the ASEAN-Canada Summit regarding several big issues that were important to geopoliticals.

He stressed that Indonesia has so far shown its capacity to unite the world through the chairmanship of the G20, and grapple with big issues.

PM Trudeau expressed Canadian hope for Indonesia's leadership in ASEAN.