Chilean President Begins State Visit to Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (left) and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet inspect the honorary troops at the State Welcoming Ceremony at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday, May 12, 2017 – Antara photo.

Jakarta, 15 Sha’ban 1438/12 May 2017 (MINA) – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), at the Merdeka Palace, here, Friday, welcomed visiting President Veronica Michelle Bachelet of Chile who began her two-day state visit to Indonesia.

The two leaders were scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting to discuss efforts to strengthen the relations between the two countries, Antara News reported, citing the Indonesian foreign ministry.

Jokowi and Bachelet are also expected to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding and to issue a joint press statement.

The Chilean president is focused on discussing bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, maritime, socio-cultural, and fisheries.

Bachelet is also scheduled to attend a seminar on economic relations between Indonesia and Chile to be organized by the Indonesian Commerce and Industry.(Kadin)

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.

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.

The two countries are in the process of negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that is expected to increase trade and investment between the two countries. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)