AMN / Jakarta
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo today held bilateral talks in Jakarta. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of maritime security, trade and commerce, regional connectivity and anti-terrorism measures.
Both leaders have decided to elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership. They also agreed to deepen their ties in defence, maritime security, Science and Technology, pharmaceuticals and other areas.
In a joint statement after delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo agreed to increase the bilateral trade to 50 billion dollars by 2025. Both countries signed two agreements and seven MoUs, including in defence, space and capacity building among other areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government proposes S A G A R meaning Security and Growth for All in the Region and it has similarities with “Maritime Fulcrum” proposed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo for ensuring security and peace in the region, particularly the Indo Pacific region.
The Prime Minister said India and Indonesia have more than two-centuries-old bilateral links and both countries need to take forward this relationship to next level. Mr Modi said 2019 marks the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between both countries and several events are planned to mark the occasion.
Stating that there is a need to increase tourism between both countries and in this direction, Mr Modi said, sister Province Cooperation will be established between Bali province in Indonesia and Uttarakhand. Mr Modi expressed his condolences over the recent terrorist attacks in Indonesia and stressed that India stands with Indonesia in this difficult time. He affirmed that collective action is stopped terrorist activities across the world.
Mr. Modi greeted Indonesians on the month of Ramazan. He also extended wishes on Indonesia hosting Asian Games in August this year. The Prime Minister said both countries have more youth population and there is a need to extend them training in skill development in order to generate employment.
Speaking on the occasion, the Indonesian President called upon Indian industrialists to invest in Indonesia in the areas of infrastructure, seaports, airports and pharmaceuticals. He said there is a need to increase connectivity between the two countries. Later, Mr Modi and Joko Widodo inaugurated a Kite festival.
The Prime Minister will address India-Indonesia CEOs Forum along with the Indonesian President today. He will also address Indian diaspora at Jakarta Convention Centre. The Prime Minister will visit Monas – the main landmark of Jakarta, next to the Presidential Palace.
After the delegation level talks between them, India and Indonesia signed a number of agreements in the fields of defence, space and science and technology.
Mr Modi will also address India-Indonesia CEOs Forum along with the Indonesian President. Prime Minister will also address Indian diaspora at Jakarta Convention Centre.
Mr Modi’s began his official engagement with a visit to the Kalibata Heroes Cemetry in South Jakarta, where he paid homage to the Indonesian national heroes who died fighting in Indonesia’s war of Independence. Mr Modi and Indonesian President will jointly inaugurate a Kite Festival and witness a Kite Exhibition that will showcase the strong civilizational linkages between the two countries. Prime Minister will also visiting Monas – the main landmark of Jakarta, next to the Presidential Palace.
Mr Modi arrived in Jakarta yesterday evening on the first leg of his 3-nation visit to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. After his Indonesia visit, Mr Modi will make a brief halt in Malaysia tomorrow to congratulate the country’s newly elected Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
On Friday, the Prime Minister will be in Singapore. He will hold delegation level talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, and deliver the keynote address at the 17th Shangri La Dialogue, Asia’s security summit.
The focus of his Singapore visit will be on enhancing the India-Singapore partnership in areas of Financial Technology, Skill Development, Urban Planning and Artificial Intelligence.
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