Indonesia Supports Bangladesh`s Intention to Quit LDCs

President Joko Widodo receives a state welcome from Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi

Jakarta, MINA – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed Indonesia`s readiness to support Bangladesh in reaching its target to get out of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group in 2024.

“Indonesia is ready to support the achievement of this target, including through enhancement of mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation,” Antara News quoted President Jokowi as saying during a bilateral meeting with Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid at the Credential Hall, Bangabhan Presidential Palace, on Saturday night.

Deputy Secretary for Protocol, Press and Media Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat, Bey Machmudin, said on Sunday, Indonesia also expressed its readiness to open market access to enhance trade cooperation with Bangladesh.

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“It will be done through the establishment of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA),” he said.

The two leader also discussed the development of Rakhine State situation.

Commitment and high attention will continue to be given by the government and people of Indonesia in order to help overcome the humanitarian crisis.

“I also welcome the Bangladesh government`s repatriation agreement with the government of Myanmar, I hope the implementation of the agreement can be voluntary, honorable and safe,” said President Jokowi.

President Jokowi expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome given during his visit to Bangladesh, including his planned visit to Cox`s Bazar on Sunday.

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“Thank you for Your Excellency President Abdul Hamid, it is an honor to make a visit to Bangladesh for the first time,” said President Jokowi.

Indonesia close to Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid reiterated that Indonesia is close to Bangladesh.

“Because Indonesia is the first country to recognize the independence of Bangladesh and this service will never be forgotten by the people of Bangladesh,” said Retno in an message of the President of Bangladesh.

In the future, said Retno, the two leaders agreed that economic cooperation would be a priority for the relations between the two countries.

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After the bilateral meeting, President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo witnessed a cultural meeting and a dinner with President Abdul Hamid and the First Lady of Bangladesh Rasyidah Khanam.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Rina Soemarno, and Director of South and Central Asia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ferdy Piay . (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)