The APEC must become part of the efforts to accelerate economic recovery in the Asia and Pacific regionJakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is optimistic that the spirit of cooperation during the series of meetings of the Indonesian Presidency in G20 would continue at the 2022 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
"The APEC must become part of the efforts to accelerate economic recovery in the Asia and Pacific region," Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) conveyed in his speech during a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister (PM) Jacinda Ardern in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday.
In a statement from the Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat received here, Friday, Jokowi discussed with Ardern the strengthening economic cooperation, cooperation in energy transition, and intensifying cooperation in the Pacific region.
"We need to encourage market access for trade between the two countries, especially in agricultural commodities, minerals, iron and steel, plastics, and cooperation in agriculture and halal certification," he remarked.
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In the field of cooperation in energy transition, Jokowi noted that Indonesia continued to increase energy transition efforts using new and renewable energy.
"I invite New Zealand's entrepreneurs to invest in developing geothermal energy in Indonesia," Jokowi stated.
Meanwhile, in the field of regional cooperation, Indonesia is committed to promoting development cooperation in the Pacific region. Hence, in 2023, Indonesia will encourage cooperation between Pacific countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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"I want New Zealand to be able to serve as a bridge connecting the partnership between ASEAN and the Pacific in the Indo-Pacific region," he remarked.
Meanwhile, PM Ardern lauded Indonesia for holding the G20 Presidency and congratulated the country on its appointment as chair of ASEAN in 2023.
"New Zealand is ready to support Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN next year," she stated.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung accompanied President Jokowi at the meeting.
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Translator: Indra Arief P, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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