Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received Chief Executive of the Afghan Government Abdullah Abdullah at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta to discuss bilateral relations and current issues, including the earthquake in Central Sulawesi Province.

"Thank you for your sympathy to the people of Central Sulawesi," President Jokowi remarked while welcoming Abdullah at the Merdeka Palace here Thursday.

The president informed Abdullah about the current conditions in Central Sulawesi and disaster mitigation efforts made by the government and local administrations, as well as all people in several areas hit by the earthquake and tsunami.

The head of state noted that the search and rescue teams continued to work to help people in Palu and Donggala.

The government also continues to work to rebuild the lives of the people, the president stated.

During the meeting, the president was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

Data obtained from the National Disaster Management Agency indicated that the death toll from Friday`s (Sept 28) Donggala-Palu earthquake and tsunami has risen to 1,407. Some 519 dead people were buried after being identified.

The highest number of dead was recorded in Palu, reaching 1,177 people. Meanwhile, more than 70,821 people became refugees in 141 locations across Palu, Donggala, Sigi, and other areas. Among the refugees were 2,549 people, who suffered severe injuries and were treated at several hospitals.

Abdullah was appointed as chief executive of the Afghan Government since September 2014.

Reporting by Bayu Prasetyo
Editing by Libertina, Yoseph Hariyadi

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