Today's Memory, April 14, 2019: President Jokowi To Saudi Arabia To Meet King Salman, Indonesia Gets Additional Hajj Quota

President Jokowi during a meeting with King Salman at the Al-Qasr Al-Khas Palace, during a visit to Saudi Arabia on April 14, 2019. (TWITTER@KSPgoid)

JAKARTA - In memory of today, three years ago, April 14, 2019, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud welcomed President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the King's Private Palace (Al Qasr Al Khas), Saudi Arabia. The reception was carried out as proof of the closeness between the two countries.

The bilateral meeting was devoted to increasing cooperation in the economic field between the two countries. The two of them also discussed the possibility of Indonesia-Saudi Arabia collaborating in other fields: energy and tourism.

Indonesia views Saudi Arabia as a close relative. Relations between the two countries have existed for a long time. Moreover, Saudi Arabia itself officially recognized Indonesia's independence on November 21, 1947. This support meant a lot to Indonesia.

The fruit, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia became close. The two of them often work together. From education, culture, energy, and economy. This friendship has been maintained for many years. In fact, until the era of President Jokowi and King Salman. Both actively visit each other. For example, King Salman visited Indonesia in 2017. In contrast, Jokowi made a return visit on April 14, 2019.

President Jokowi and Mrs. Iriana were welcomed by King Salman during a visit to Saudi Arabia on April 14, 2022. (TWITTER@KSPgoid)

It was noted that President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana arrived in Riyadh at 08.50 local time, or 12.50 western Indonesia time - at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh. President Jokowi was then taken to the private palace of the King of Saudi Arabia.

King Salman also welcomed Jokowi's arrival. At that time, Jokowi was not alone, he brought other government officials with him. These included Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Agus Maftuh Abegebriel, and Presidential Special Staff Abdul Ghofarrozin.

The meeting resulted in a valuable agreement between the two countries. Indonesia and Saudi Arabia agreed to increase cooperation in the economic sector.

"President Jokowi and King Salman agreed that in the future economic cooperation will continue to be enhanced, especially in the energy and tourism sectors," said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi after the meeting, as quoted by Antara.

Additional Hajj Quota

President Jokowi did not forget to express appreciation from all Indonesian people to King Salman. This appreciation is none other than the generosity of King Salman, who once again gave Indonesia an additional quota of 10 thousand pilgrims.

King Salman did not want to lose. He directly expressed his appreciation to Indonesia. According to him, Indonesia's leadership has been considered successful in maintaining regional and world stability. In that message, King Salman also gave his appreciation to Indonesia for its leadership that is able to make the Muslim world proud.

President Jokowi and Mrs. Iriana are intimately talking with King Salman at the King's Private Palace, Al-Qasr Al-Khas in Riyadh on April 14, 2019. (TWITTER@KSPgoid)

"From the discussion earlier, it was clear that the two heads of state were very close," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Not only that. In the afternoon, Jokowi took the time to meet with the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salman at the Palace of the Crown Prince of Riyadh. Both open up opportunities for cooperation in all fields. Energy especially. The visit is proof of the closeness between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.