President Joko âJokowiâ Widodo greeted U
resident Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo greeted U.S. President Barack Obama in the Indonesian language at their first meeting during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Beijing, China, on Monday.
'I am very happy to be here. This is the first time I've met with Pak President Obama,' Jokowi said in Indonesian as quoted by tempo.co.
Jokowi was assisted by an interpreter, who translated his words from Indonesian to English, in front of Obama.
Obama was also helped by a translator because he spoke in English during the bilateral meeting.
'I am happy because I can meet with Pak President Joko Widodo. I hope that we can strengthen friendships between us and between our countries,' Obama said.
During the meeting, Obama applauded Indonesia. He said that Indonesia should be a role model as the world's largest Muslim population, which displayed democracy, tolerance, and pluralism in harmony.
Obama also applauded the peaceful presidential and legislative elections that were conducted in the country in the first half of this year.
During the meeting, which took place at the Beijing Westin Hotel, Jokowi was accompanied by several senior officials, such as Coordinating Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil, Trade Minister Rahmat Gobel, Foreign Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto and Regional Representative Council (DPD) deputy speaker Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas. (alz/nfo)(++++)
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.