Chile Supports Indonesia`s Bid for UN Security Council Seat

President Joko Widodo received Chilean President Michelle Bachelet at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday, May 12, 2017.

Jakarta, 16 Sha’ban 1438/13 Mat 2017 (MINA) – The Government of Chile has expressed support to Indonesias bid for the UN Security Council (UNSC) seat for the 2019-2020 period.

“I express my gratitude to Chile for its support to Indonesia’s nomination for a membership of the UNSC for the 2019-2020 period,” Antara News quoted President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as stating during a joint press conference with visiting President of Chile Veronica Michelle Bachelet at the Merdeka Palace, here, Friday.

Indonesia had offered similar support to Chile during the 2014-2015 period.

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In September 2016, Indonesia began lobbying for its bid for a non-permanent membership of the UNSC for the 2019-2020 term, as the country kicked off its campaign at the UN headquarters in New York.

Jokowi said Indonesia is honored to receive President Bachelet who is on a two-day state visit.

The Chilean presidents visit is of key significance and is in line with the Indonesian governments priorities to expand the market for its products in South America, the ministry noted.

In 2013, Bachelet had visited Indonesia in her capacity as the executive director of UN Women.

Jokowi said he and Bachelet emphasized the importance of promoting womens empowerment.

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Indonesia and Chile are members of the Association of Asian and Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The close bilateral relations between Indonesia and Chile have helped strengthen cooperation in the two fora

Chile one of the priority countries.

The governments of Indonesia and Chile are optimistic that negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would be completed this year.

“We hope that the CEPA negotiations, particularly related to trade and goods, would be concluded this year,” President Joko Widodo stated.

He said President Bachelets visit to Indonesia comes at an opportune time, as Indonesia is intensifying trade and investment, and Chile is one of the priority countries.

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“Trade and investment issues are the main topics during the bilateral talks,” he noted.

President Widodo lauded the business delegation accompanying President Bachelet during the two-day state visit to Indonesia.

Indonesia has expressed hope that Chile would serve as the gateway for its products to enter South America.

Chile is Indonesias third-largest trade partner in South America. In 2016, trade between Chile and Indonesia had reached US$227 million, with Indonesia enjoying a surplus of $60.5 million. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)