Leaving for China and Saudi Arabia, Jokowi Brings Up Food, Energy and Investment Issues

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) left for China and Saudi Arabia to attend a number of bilateral meetings and discuss strategic issues.

In China, Jokowi will meet President Xi Jin Ping as well as attend the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum in Beijing. This forum will be held on October 17-18, 2023.

"A number of priority issues that we will discuss with the PRC (China) include increasing Indonesian exports, increasing investment and developing food security," said Jokowi in a press statement before departure at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Monday, October 16.

After completing his agenda in China, Jokowi will continue his trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to meet with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman on October 18 2023. Apart from that, Jokowi will also chair the ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit on 20 October 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"I will discuss a number of collaborations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including increasing economic and investment cooperation, guaranteeing halal products, energy, and establishing the highest coordinating council," said Jokowi.

Departing at 08.00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) from Tangerang, Jokowi was released by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Indonesian Army (TNI) Commander Admiral Yudo Margono, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

The limited group accompanying Jokowi was First Lady Iriana Jokowi, State-owned Enterprises (BUMN) Minister Erick Thohir, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

"On October 21, God willing, I and a limited group will arrive in Indonesia," said Jokowi.