Jokowi and Hollande Discuss Three Issues During Bilateral Talks

Jakarta, 20 Sya’ban 1437/28 May 2016 (MINA) – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his French counterpart Francois Hollande held a bilateral meeting to discuss three issues, including the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA).

The two other issues concerned Indonesias timber exports to the EU and a plan on imposing palm oil tax.

During the talks organized on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Shima, Japan, on Friday, Jokowi lauded the completion of the I-EU CEPA scoping paper that had been stalled for several years, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting Antara.

“I hope that formal negotiations on I-EU CEPA will begin this year. The I-EU CEPA negotiations are meant to push Indonesias economy to become more open and competitive,” Jokowi affirmed.

Speaking in connection with Indonesias timber exports to the EU, Jokowi hoped the licensing system of the Forest Law Enforcement Governance will come into effect soon.

The Indonesian president sought the French governments assistance to halt ongoing discussions in the French Parliament on a plan to impose tax on palm oil.

“Hence, Indonesian palm oil exports to France could continue,” Jokowi remarked.

President Hollande affirmed that win-win approaches were the most suitable means to resolving the issues.

In addition, the two leaders agreed to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.

Hollande lauded Jokowi for prioritizing comprehensive approaches constituting both soft and hard power in dealing with terrorism. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)