Jokowi And Xi Jinping Witness The Signing Of A Number Of MoUs

President Joko Widodo together with President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of a number of memorandums of understanding (MoU) in collaboration between the two countries at the Great Hall of The People on Tuesday (17/10/2023). (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of a number of memorandums of understanding (MoU) of cooperation between the two countries.

The signing of the MoU was carried out after a bilateral meeting between the two heads of state at the Great Hall of The People, Tuesday, October 17.

There are ten MoUs signed before the two heads of state, including (1) Protocols on Examination, Quarantine, and Veterinary Sanitation of Illegal Water Products to be Exported from Indonesia to China.

Then, (2) Quarantine and Cleaning Protocols for Aquatic Animals That Can Be Eaten from Indonesia to China, (3) Collaboration on the Implementation of Global Development Initiatives, (4) Joint Dialogue of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense, (5) Cooperation on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction.

Then, (6) Experience Exchange for Sustainable Governance and Development, (7) Establishment of a Joint Promotion Coordination Mechanism for the Global Maritime and Belt and Road Initiative, (8) Deepening of Cooperation in Medical and Health, (9) Strengthening Investment and Economic Cooperation, and (10) Increasing Capacity and Exchange and Cooperation in Sustainable Development.

During a bilateral meeting, President Jokowi believed that good relations with China would be stronger so that he encouraged the two countries to take advantage of the current good momentum to increase cooperation.

"We must take advantage of this good momentum to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and increase collaboration and concrete cooperation for the region and for the world," said Jokowi.

At least President Jokowi conveyed four things at the bilateral meeting.

First, Jokowi conveyed efforts to increase investment cooperation, especially for EV and automotive batteries, spare parts factories, petrochemical refineries, steel production, and development of Halal Center cooperation, in addition to encouraging follow-up to the development of economic corridors 'Two Countries, Twin Parks'.

"For the development of the Nusantara State Capital, I hope the PRC can become a strategic partner," said Jokowi.

Second, related to trade and finance, Jokowi appreciates bilateral trade which continues to grow and balance.

"In the future, we need to continue to encourage protocol updates and increase the import quota of swallow's nests and add types of export products such as fisheries, agriculture, and tropical fruit," added Jokowi.

Regarding financial cooperation, President Jokowi stated that he supports the plan to form local currency transactions through QRcross border to facilitate export-import and investment.

Third, regarding energy security, Jokowi said that currently Indonesia is accelerating the addition of 60GW to 2040 new renewable energy plants (EBT).

Jokowi hopes that PRC support in implementing Indonesia's electricity cooperation because the two countries can continue to strengthen energy resilience.

Fourth, President Jokowi also encourages an increase in tourists from both countries, through a number of steps, starting with increasing the frequency of direct flights of Indonesia' China, to increasing scholarships and vocational training for Indonesian students.

"As well as the implementation of village cooperation through increasing the capacity of Indonesian village heads," said Jokowi.

The two heads of state then exchanged views on the current world situation, including the situation in Gaza.

Indonesia and the RRC share the same view on the importance of efforts to reduce the escalation of conflicts and focus on humanity.