Jokowi lauds efforts to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) welcomed efforts to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia with the establishment of the Indonesia-Saudi Arabia Supreme Coordination Council.
“Amid the increasingly polarized world situation, a friendship between the two countries is increasingly needed,” President Jokowi stated during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister (PM) of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Thursday (October 19).
According to a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat received here on Friday, the bilateral meeting between President Jokowi and PM Mohammed resulted in several memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
The MoUs were signed by both sides, as witnessed by President Jokowi and PM Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud.
In addition to the establishment of the Supreme Coordinating Council between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the other MoUs are related to technical cooperation between the National Standardization Agency (BSN) and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.
The new agreements also include cooperation in the field of youth and sports and halal product assurance.
President Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with the PM of Saudi Arabia during the second day of his working visit to Riyadh.
The President was accompanied by Saudi Arabia’s Trade Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi during the trip to Al-Yamamah Palace.
Upon arriving at the front yard of Al-Yamamah Palace, President Jokowi was officially welcomed by the PM of Saudi Arabia, and they walked together to the stage of honor. The welcoming procession continued with the playing of the national anthems of the two countries.
The two leaders then walked towards the lobby of the palace to introduce the delegates from each country.
The Indonesian delegation that participated in the meeting comprised Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, among others.
