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ASEAN-Canada will launch…

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – President Joko Widodo welcomed the state visit of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (05/09/2023). This visit is related to plans to raise the level of relations between ASEAN and Canada to a strategic partnership. The new status of this partnership will be launched soon.

Relations between Canada and Indonesia are also growing closer, with the value of trade expected to increase by 37% in 2022.

Trudeau was the only head of state received by President Jokowi at Merdeka Palace on Tuesday (05/09/2023). Trudeau's presence in Indonesia was planned to participate in a series of meetings at the 43rd ASEAN Summit.

“(Wednesday) tomorrow we will launch the ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership. “I hope this will result in more concrete cooperation between us,” Jokowi said during his introduction to the bilateral meeting between Indonesia and Canada in the Oval Hall of Merdeka Palace.

During the bilateral meeting, Jokowi stressed that he would discuss several issues, including trade and investment. “Our transaction value will increase by 37% in 2022 and has exceeded pandemic levels. “I hope for your support for Indonesia,” the president added.

On this occasion, Trudeau congratulated Indonesia's ASEAN presidency. He stressed that launching a strategic partnership would be very important for Canada and ASEAN.

“Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world and Indonesia’s leadership in these developing countries is extraordinary,” Trudeau said.

Canada is one of 11 ASEAN dialogue partner countries. Among the 11 dialogue partner countries, four countries have reached the level of comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN. The four countries are Australia, China, India and the United States.

Regarding bilateral relations between Canada and Indonesia, Trudeau said they have seen extraordinary growth in recent years. “However, there is still much to do to produce good growth, good jobs and good opportunities for our communities,” Trudeau said.

Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world.

Trudeau also praised Indonesia's leadership at the G20 Summit. “Indonesia has truly demonstrated its ability to unite the world and tackle big issues. And as we look ahead to this week and gather ourselves together. “You have set the bar very, very high for the success of the G20,” he added.

Trudeau was also grateful that the Canadian national basketball team received a warm welcome when it participated in the FIBA ​​World Cup in Indonesia. “The stadium was full, the crowd supported us Red and white (the nickname of the Canadian national basketball team) with extraordinary enthusiasm and it is a great example of the very, very deep bond that unites us,” he added.

After accompanying President Jokowi, Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said that one of the discussions during the meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister regarding the trade cooperation agreement between Indonesia and Canada was about the increase of export growth. “We also discussed how there is synergy in the management of natural resources, including nickel, in the context of the development of electric vehicles and car batteries,” Bahlil said.

The meeting also discussed the prospect of expanding the Canadian-based PT Vale company. “The two leaders, Canada and the Republic of Indonesia, must continue to improve their bilateral relations, economic relations and cooperative relations, and the value of investment and trade in the future must be increased,” a- he added.