This meeting, the third in 2019, reflects the high intensity of bilateral relations between Indonesia and China.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi strongly believes that 2020 will be a landmark year for reinforcing comprehensive strategic partnership between Indonesia and China since it will also mark seven decades of their bilateral relations.
Marsudi made the statement during a meeting with China’s Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi during the 14th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Madrid, Spain, on Monday, December 16.
This meeting, the third in 2019, reflects the depth of bilateral relations between Indonesia and China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in an official statement received in Jakarta, Tuesday.
Yi spoke of his plan to visit Indonesia in the upcoming year to which Marsudi responded warmly.
Related news: BKPM offers Chinese investors US$91.1 billion infrastructure projects
Through the meeting, Indonesia and China reiterated the vital role of the integrity of regional economics. Indonesia harbors expectations over it to result in some partnerships that benefit both parties.
According to the ministry’s data, China is Indonesia's largest trade partner, with bilateral trade in 2018 totaling US$72.6 billion. Moreover, the country is Indonesia's third-largest investor, with total investment reaching $2.3 billion in the same year.
Apart from matters concerning the economy, Marsudi lauded the support of China’s government to return 20 Indonesian brides trafficked since September 2019 and sought more intensive cooperation on human trafficking.
At the end of their meeting, Marsudi inquired about the situation in Xinjiang from Yi. Moreover, Yi highlighted China's commitment on the freedom to practice one’s religious beliefs, including for Muslims.(INE)
Related news: Indonesia voices readiness to intensify trade cooperation with China
Related news: China inks import contracts with Indonesia worth Rp35.1 trillion
Related news: Indonesia-China sign agreement to construct Pelosika Dam
Translator: Yashinta Difa, Suwanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
