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Jokowi's agenda in the Middle East
(Antara)President Joko âJokowiâ Widodo began his four-day state visit to Middle Eastern countries, namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, on Friday
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(Antara) (Antara)
(Antara)
President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo began his four-day state visit to Middle Eastern countries, namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, on Friday.
Jokowi stated that the trip aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on the economy, energy sustainability, protection for Indonesian citizens and strategic industries.
'During the trip, I will conduct bilateral meetings with King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of UAE, in Abu Dhabi; and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha,' said Jokowi at the Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport on Friday as quoted by tempo.co.
Jokowi said that Saudi Arabia was Indonesia's largest trade partner in the Middle East, UAE was Indonesia's main destination for export commodities and Qatar was the biggest investor in Indonesia, among the Middle Eastern countries.
The value of trade between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia reached US$8.6 billion in 2014, with Saudi's investment value in Indonesia reaching $29.3 million in the first half of 2015.
Meanwhile, the value of trade between Indonesia and UAE reached $4.25 billion in 2014, with UAE's investment value in Indonesia reaching $25.365 million.
With Qatar, Indonesia recorded a trade value of $1.68 billion in 2014, with Qatar's investment value in Indonesia including shareholding in Indosat and QNB-Kesawan.
"Hopefully the visit can open more access for Indonesian products in the Middle Eastern market, including the halal ones, as well as encourage more investment, especially in infrastructure, maritime and energy sectors," said Jokowi.
According to Jokowi, the three countries produced 24 percent of global oil demand, had 30 percent of total global oil reserves and owned 18 percent of global gas reserves.
He added that he would also encourage partnerships and cooperation in strategic industry sectors such as purchasing several of Indonesia's primary weaponry defense systems.
Jokowi's agenda includes signing a visa-free agreement for diplomatic and service passport holders between Indonesia and Qatar, and an agreement on human trafficking between Indonesia and UAE.
The President is also scheduled to sign a letter of intent (LoI) on forming a strategic partnership between Indonesia and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Several Indonesian companies are also set to make cooperation agreements with their Middle Eastern partners such as state-owned land-system and weapons maker PT Pindad, state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia and state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL. There is also an investment plan from Lulu Hypermarket in Indonesia.
Joining Jokowi on the trip is Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong and Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution. (rad/kes)
