Discussing The Equivalent Partnership, President Jokowi Accepts Members Of The US Congress At The Merdeka Palace

President Joko Widodo received a visit from eight members of the United States congress at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (3/5/2023). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a visit from eight members of the United States Congress to discuss a number of issues, including an increase in equal partnerships or equal partnerships between the two countries.

President Jokowi accompanied by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu) Retno Marsudi received the eight members of the US Congress at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, May 3.

"So the partnership partnership is based on equality and produces a win-win cooperation. This is really emphasized by both parties, equal partnership," said Foreign Minister Retno, quoted by ANTARA Wednesday, May 5.

The meeting also discussed the importance of making a limited free trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States in the near future.

According to the Foreign Minister, Indonesia has conveyed its readiness to start discussing the agreement.

Retno said that President Jokowi also expressed his appreciation for the support from the United States for Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN.

Indonesia really appreciates the support of the United States as one of the important partners for ASEAN.

"The president also hopes that America will continue to provide support, support for the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific," said Foreign Minister Retno.

During the meeting, the President emphasized the importance of issues regarding market access and non-discrimination treatment of Indonesian export goods to the United States.

Not only that, the President also expressed Indonesia's strong determination to build the downstream industry and Indonesia's hope to become part of the supply chain of the United States and the world.

The President hopes that the GSP (generalized system of references) facility will receive support to continue for Indonesia.

Also accompanying the President in the meeting was Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Meanwhile, the United States congressional delegates who attended were Vern Buchanan, Norma Torres, Terri Sewell, John Rutherford, Claudia Tenney, Carlos Gimenez, Anna Paulina Luna, Jenniffer Gonz Marijualez Col?, and the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Sung Y. Kim.