It is an honor for Indonesia to serve as the official partner country of Hannover Fair in 2021 and later in 2023.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held virtual bilateral talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Tuesday.
The bilateral talks took place a day after the opening of the Hannover Messe 2021 Digital Edition in which Indonesia is an official partner country.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, Merkel lauded Indonesia for its preparedness to become an official partner country of the event and expressed belief that the partnership would facilitate deeper bilateral relations between both nations.
Merkel noted that Indonesia will chair G-20 while Germany will lead G-7 next year. She expressed hope that the two countries would give priority to synergy.
Jokowi affirmed that it was an honor for Indonesia to be appointed as the official partner country of the Hannover Fair 2021.
"It is an honor for Indonesia to serve as the official partner country of Hannover Fair in 2021 and later in 2023," he reiterated.
The president commended the chairmanship of Chancellor Merkel, who has striven to bolster bilateral relations during her term of office in almost 16 years.
The two leaders held transparent, comprehensive discussions on an array of bilateral issues comprising cooperation in the fields of health, economy, and climate change.
The duo discussed regional issues, including the political conflict in Myanmar and exchanged views on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the respective countries.
They expressed concern over the trend of continued vaccine nationalism that may hinder global vaccine supplies and equitable access to vaccines for all.
The president pointed out that Indonesia's COVID-19 daily caseload has begun to flatten owing to compliance with health protocols and implementation of the micro lockdown policy up to the village level.
"In January, Indonesia's daily caseload had reached a record high of more than 14 thousand. However, in the past two weeks, the daily caseload ranged from four thousand to five thousand," he stated.
Jokowi highlighted the national vaccination program being rolled out in Indonesia since January. Indonesia has used vaccines manufactured by Sinovac and AstraZeneca to support the vaccination program.
The head of state further highlighted the significance of both nations building cooperation in the field of health in future.
In the investment field, Merkel sees potential for Indonesia to become a vital partner of Germany.
Related news: Jokowi, Merkel to jointly open Hannover Messe 2021 Digital Edition
The president emphasized that investment played a vital role in the nation’s economic recovery.
"Indonesia recently issued the job creation law to support cooperation in the investment field," he noted.
The president extended cooperation in the development of human resources to Germany through vacation school and to boost investment to build a production base and German global supply chain in the region.
On climate change, the two leaders share a common commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with their respective target.
"Indonesia is highly committed to implementing green development," he affirmed.
One of the efforts made by the government to realize the commitment is restoring mangrove forests and developing energy in a sustainable way.
During the discussion on the political conflict in Myanmar, the president highlighted Indonesia’s clear stand on the matter. Since the start, Indonesia has pressed for promptly ending the use of violence and encouraged dialog between the conflicting parties.
"The dialog between them is expected to be held soon to restore democracy, stability, and peace in Myanmar," he noted.
Indonesia has also proposed an ASEAN Summit to discuss the Myanmar issue, and preparations are underway for the summit. Related news: Participating at Hannover Messe, Pupuk Indonesia Introducing Its Digital Innovation to Europe
Translator: Rangga Pandu AJ/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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