Palm Springs, California (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met his Laos counterpart Choumally Sayasone to discuss several issues related to the ASEAN region during his visit to California, the United States, to attend the US-ASEAN Summit 2016.

"Indonesia congratulates Laos PDR for the chairmanship of the ASEAN," Widodo stated during a meeting held at Miramonte Resort, California, on Monday.

Jokowi believes that under the chairmanship of Laos, the ASEAN region can develop better cooperation and succeed in realizing the ASEAN mission.

President of Laos Sayasone also lauded Jokowi as Indonesias president.

Sayasone offered his condolences to Jokowi for the terror attack in Thamrin, Jakarta, in January.

Several ministers who accompanied President Jokowi during the meeting included Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Trade Minister Thomas Lembong, Head of Presidential Staff Teten Masduki, and Coordinator of the Presidential Communication Team Ari Dwipayana.

Additionally, President Sayasone was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, Vice Minister SOM Alounkeo Khittikoun, Director General for Europe and America Department Kouanta, and Director General for ASEAN Department Phongsavanh.

Prior to the ASEAN-US Summit, President Widodo also held a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during which they discussed cooperation in trade and investment. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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