Sri Lanka and Indonesia have initiated several forms of cooperation at the international level."
Jakarta, Mar 8 (Antara) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithiripala Sirisena have witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding on cooperation in the field of maritime affairs, particularly the fisheries sector.

The agreements were inked by Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti and Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka Dilip Wedaarachchi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in marine affairs and the fisheries sector and in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing as well as cooperation in promoting the sustainable management of fisheries.

The cooperation also included the establishment of a joint communique to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

In addition, Jokowi underlined that Indonesia is ready to support economic development being carried out by Sri Lanka.

"During a conversation last night, we discussed several things, including strengthening cooperation in the economic field. Indonesia has expressed its willingness to support development in Sri Lanka," he noted.

Meanwhile, President Sirisena praised the hospitality shown by the Indonesian nation in welcoming delegates from Sri Lanka.

Sirisena expressed hope that the two countries would continue to strengthen the relationship between both societies and improve bilateral relations.

"For us, Indonesia and Sri Lanka have close historical ties. Sri Lanka and Indonesia have initiated several forms of cooperation at the international level," he noted.

The president said that international cooperation can be intensified in several potential areas of economy, agriculture, fisheries, education, health, research, and vocational training.

The Sri Lankan president arrived at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta at 10 a.m. local time (Indonesian Western Standard Time) as part of his state visit. The two heads of state held a bilateral meeting and were part of a gala lunch held at around 12:30 p.m. local time as the final agenda.

President Sirisena is scheduled to leave for Sri Lankas capital city of Colombo on Wednesday afternoon.

(Reported by Bayu Prasetyo/Uu.M052/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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