"The five Democrat members of the US Congress conveyed the commitment about the importance of partnering with Indonesia," Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi stated at the Presidential Palace here on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Jokowi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar, and US Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Y. Kim.
"Then, (they spoke about the) commitment to deepen and expand the strategic partnership with Indonesia,” Marsudi remarked.
She explained that during the meeting, Jokowi echoed Indonesia’s commitment to the issue of climate change, which aligned with the interest of the US delegation.
"That is why Mr President spoke with (reference to) data to show that we have achieved things in the field of climate change, including environment,” she stated.
She noted that one of the proofs shown by the head of state is that Indonesia had successfully reduced forest fires by over 80 percent.
“Once again, Mr President provided the data by explaining,” she stated.
Furthermore, the foreign minister said, Jokowi sought support from the US Congress’ delegation for the extension of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) by the US.
GSP is a trade facility in the form of exemption from import duty, which has been given unilaterally by the US government to developing countries since 1974. Indonesia obtained GSP facilities from the US in 1980.
The president also underscored the importance of market access in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
As the issue of market access has not been included in IPEF, Jokowi stressed that it is vital in the cooperation with developing countries, such as Indonesia.
The IPEF was launched by President Joe Biden on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo, Japan, with 14 participating countries: the US, Australia, Fiji, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and ASEAN countries: Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
"Mr President also expressed Indonesia's keenness to become part of the global supply chain and with the US," Marsudi stated.
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Translator: Desca N, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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