As observed by ANTARA on Thursday, soon after he welcomed the Queen of the Netherlands, Queen Maxima, the President invited her to the Palaces terrace for one of his Veranda Talks.
The conversation they had on the terrace was similar to the ones the President has had with other diplomatic guests as the relaxed atmosphere exuded by the garden creates a friendly ambience.
During the meeting with Queen Maxima, President Widodo wore a brown long-sleeved button down adorned with Indonesias own Batik print, while the Queen wore a floral cream colored blouse.
"Veranda Talk entails an intimate conversation between the President and his distinguished guests in terms of both resources and connection," said the Head of Presidential Secretariat Darmansjah Djumala in Jakarta.
Darmansjah explained that the aim of the Presidents Veranda Talk is to discuss important matters in a friendly and candid setting.
The time period for the President to carry out his relaxed conversation depends on the issue that is being discussed, and it varies with every government leaders.
"In the future, we plan to turn veranda talk into a standard format for the President to discuss strategic issues with those whom the President deems to be significant and close," he added.
This format of welcoming guests has only been implemented during President Widodos term, in which he also decides which state guest he would like to have a Veranda Talk with.
"On a normal day, in the morning before he receive his guests, we would ask him whether they would like to welcome his guest on the terrace and he will answer with an immediate yes or no. So it is all up to him and his consideration," Darmansjah explained.
He also revealed that the President carried out a discussion with Queen Maxima on the terrace as there is historical proximity, bilateral relationship and cooperation between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
Besides the Queen, other country leaders that have had a Veranda Talk with the President include the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
