President Jokowi Receive Courtesy Visit from Serbian Foreign Minister
VIVA – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a courtesy visit from Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic at the Merdeka Palace here on Monday.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, in her statement after the meeting, noted that as Indonesia is a strategic partner of Serbia, bolstering cooperation between both nations will be essential.
Menteri Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia, Retno Marsudi.
- Tangkapan layar zoom meeting
"Serbia perceived Indonesia as one of its most respected partners. Hence, they are committed to continuing to bolster cooperation with Indonesia," Marsudi, who accompanied President Jokowi to the meeting, stated.
One of the cooperation plans discussed during the bilateral meeting is Serbia's commitment, as one of the major wheat-producing countries in Europe, to continue exporting wheat to Indonesia, she remarked.
The minister noted that Selakovic will meet with directors of Indonesian state-owned enterprises and major corporations to further discuss the cooperation commitment.
"The (cooperation plan-related) details will be discussed this afternoon," Marsudi stated.
Jokowi and Selakovic then discussed Indonesia's crude palm oil exports to Serbia that have been increasing annually.
She noted that Indonesia's crude palm oil imports accounted for 30 percent of Serbia's total crude palm oil imports.
"At present, some 30 percent of Serbia's crude palm oil import originates from Indonesia," the minister remarked.
Apart from discussing cooperation in the area of wheat exports and crude palm oil import sectors, the president and the Serbian minister also spoke at length on the intent of the Serbian authority to hire Indonesian semi-skilled employees to be employed in Serbia's construction, food and beverage, and hotel industries.
"(Matters discussed during the encounter) pertain to wheat, crude palm oil, and the placement of Indonesian employees in Serbia," Marsudi noted.
Apart from Jokowi and Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung also attended the meeting with Selakovic. (ant)
