Ramaphosa arrived in Indonesia via Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta at around 8 a.m. local time, according to a live broadcast on the YouTube channel of the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat.
Upon disembarking from a South African Air Force aircraft, the South African president was welcomed by Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso and several officials, accompanied by a ceremonial cannon salute.
As a gesture of respect, the Indonesian government also presented a traditional dance performance to welcome the visiting leader.
President Ramaphosa greeted the attending officials and then departed from the air base in an official car bearing the national flags of both Indonesia and South Africa.
During the bilateral meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, Prabowo and Ramaphosa are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and investment, as well as exchange views on global issues of mutual concern.
The high-level talks follow a recent meeting between Minister Santoso and South African Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Zuko Godlimpi in Gqeberha, South Africa, on October 10.
On that occasion, both governments explored new avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“We have agreed to advance discussions on new cooperation in trade and MSME development,” Santoso said in a post-meeting statement.
Highlighting South Africa as one of Indonesia’s key trading partners in Africa, the minister underscored the potential for bilateral trade to further expand Indonesia’s export market for palm oil, rubber, and motor vehicles.
Santoso also proposed holding the fourth meeting of the Indonesia–South Africa Joint Trade Committee as a strategic platform to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and industry.
Between January and August 2023, the total value of bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$1.42 billion, with Indonesia contributing US$690.60 million in exports.
In 2022, bilateral trade stood at US$2.41 billion, marking a 7.2 percent increase compared to the previous year.
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Translator: Fathur R, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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