Meeting Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, Jokowi Discusses Bilateral Cooperation To Palestinian Issues

President Joko Widodo shook hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida after giving a joint press statement regarding the 50th Anniversary of Friendship Relations and Cooperation between ASEAN-Japan, in Tokyo, Sunday (17/12/2023)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Japanese PM's Office, Tokyo, on Saturday 16 December. During the meeting, Jokowi and Kishida discussed various issues such as cooperation between the two countries in various fields, to Palestinian problems.

One of the discussions discussed, including the Indonesia-Japan cooperation in the construction of the Jakarta MRT. President Jokowi expressed his appreciation for Japan's commitment to building the east-west route and hoped that the next phase of development could be completed as planned.

"I hope that the construction of the north-south phase 2A and 2B channels can be completed on time," he said.

As for the energy transition, Indonesia as the co-initiator of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), Jokowi emphasized the importance of cooperation in decarbonizing inclusive funding and low-carbon technology transfers. In addition, AZEC must also ensure the follow-up of 12 MoUs signed some time ago during the AZEC ministerial meeting.

Regarding this, President Jokowi also asked for support in accelerating three priority projects: geothermal power plants in Muara Laboh; waste to energy in Legok Nangka; and management of peatlands in Central Kalimantan.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed cooperation in critical and maritime mineral fields.

Jokowi hopes that Japan can support the downstream progress of Indonesia's mineral industry and Indonesia's contribution as an important part of the world's electric vehicle battery supply chain (EV).

Jokowi also hopes for greater support for the economic development of Indonesia's outer islands, including the development of the fisheries industry as well as grants for patrol boats and fish.

Jokowi and Kishida also discussed issues related to Palestine.

Jokowi emphasized Indonesia's commitment to continuing to seek a permanent ceasefire, designing sustainable humanitarian aid, and encouraging the start of the peaceful process to reach the completion of the two countries as soon as possible.