Jokowi, Macron discuss economic and defense cooperation
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed bilateral cooperation in the economy and defense during their meeting in Hiroshima, Japan, on Sunday.
Jokowi asked Macron to support Indonesia’s accession to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the completion of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Indonesia-EU CEPA) by 2024.
“I hope France will support Indonesia to be accepted as an FATF member because Indonesia is the only G20 member state that has not yet become an FATF member,” the president was quoted in a statement on Sunday.
The two leaders also discussed French investment in Indonesia’s strategic sectors during the meeting.
Jokowi commended the participation of French companies in Indonesia’s downstreaming projects, the 500 million euro assistance for Indonesia through the French Development Agency (AFD), and the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in Indonesia.
He highlighted the need to follow up on the cooperation between the state-run coal mining company PT Bukit Asam and Hydrogene de France (HDF) to develop hydrogen-based technology.
Jokowi also emphasized the importance of continuing the collaboration between CIRAD and Yayasan Biru Indonesia on sustainable development.
“Indonesia also welcomes investment to develop the new capital Nusantara in infrastructure, green energy, and ecotourism. We have prepared incentives and investment facilities,” he stated.
Jokowi also lauded the planned joint venture between the state-owned company PT Len Industri and the French company Thales.
“Let us continue pushing for the transfer of technology, transfer of knowledge, and joint production. I also invite the French private sector to participate in the implementation of the AOIP (ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific) concrete cooperation,” Jokowi said.
He also invited France to participate in the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum in Jakarta next September.
Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi accompanied the president during his meeting with Macron.
