President Jokowi Leaves For China, Japan, And South Korea

President Jokowi accompanied by Mrs. Iriana Jokowi left for Beijing, China, to start a series of foreign visits to three East Asian countries, namely China, Japan and South Korea. ANTARA/HO-Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat/Lukas

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) accompanied by Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo left for Beijing, China, to begin a series of foreign visits to three East Asian countries, namely China, Japan and South Korea.

"The three countries are also important partners of ASEAN and important partners in the context of the G20," said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, quoted by ANTARA from the statement from the Press, Media and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat, Monday, July 25.

The three countries, said Retno, are also Indonesia's strategic partners in the economic field.

She explained that President Jokowi would meet with leaders from the three countries to discuss a number of issues ranging from global issues to cooperation in various aspects, such as trade to infrastructure.

"Various issues from trade cooperation, investment, health, infrastructure, fisheries, to regional and world issues will be discussed with the leaders of the three countries," said the Foreign Minister.

With the Garuda Indonesia (GIA-1) aircraft, the President and his entourage took off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten Province, at around 14.00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

The Head of State and Mrs. Iriana will take a flight to Beijing Capital International Airport, China for approximately 7 hours and is expected to arrive on Monday night.

Also accompanying President Jokowi and Mrs. Iriana on the flight to Beijing, China, were Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir, Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono, Presidential Military Secretary Marsda Indonesian Army (TNI) M. Tonny Harjono, and Head of State Protocol Andy Rachmianto.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi were in Beijing to prepare for the President's visit.