Jokowi, Trump Meet on Sidelines of G20 Summit

President Joko Widodo and US President Donald Trump met at the G20 summit in Hamburg-EPA photo.

Jakarta, 14 Shawwal 1438/9 July 2017 (MINA) – Presidents of Indonesia and the United States, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Donald Trump, held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, on Saturday.

The meeting was held at the Hamburg meeting room Messe Und Congress, Antara News reported, citing Chief of the Press, Media and Information Bureau at the Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin in a press statement released on Saturday.

“I would like to express greetings from millions of your fans in Indonesia. They are interested to welcome you to Indonesia,” Jokowi remarked as an ice breaker of their talks.

He also expressed his appreciation to Trump for the visit by US Vice President Michael Pence to Jakarta some time ago. Pence’s visit marked US commitment to strengthen ties with Indonesia.

During the meeting, enhancement of cooperation in the economic field and the eradication of terrorism were discussed.

In the economic sector, Jokowi conveyed Indonesias concern regarding palm oil exports for biodiesel to the United States.

Jokowi also stated that Indonesia would import large amounts of soy. Both Jokowi and Trump agreed to promote mutually beneficial bilateral trade.

Indonesia’s trade ties with the United States vary widely, ranging from palm oil and soy to airplanes.

Appreciation for not being hostile to Islam

In the field of counter-terrorism, Jokowi expressed his appreciation to the United States for its commitment of not being hostile to Islam and cooperating with Muslim countries to combat terrorism.

This is in line with the results of the Riyadh Summit attended by both the leaders last May.

“We must pay extra attention to reduce the movement of ISIS not only in Syria and Iraq but also in other areas, including Southeast Asia. The assault and occupation of terrorist groups in Marawi, Philippines, is a testament to the growing threat of terrorism.

Jokowi further expressed hope that the counter-terrorism cooperation, through the exchange of intelligence information, the cessation of the flow of funds, community development, and deployment of moderate counter-narrative, can be done by both countries.

Before winding up, Jokowi invited Trump to visit Indonesia. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)