TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said Indonesia would open a consulate office in Palestine as part of its support for the country’s independence.
According to Jokowi, Indonesia has expressed the intention to establish the consulate to Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the AAC summit.
“We have made a request to open an Indonesian consulate in Ramallah. [The Palestinian] PM said that he supported the idea. The consulate opening will be the first of other steps,” Jokowi said after a meeting with Palestinian PM Rami Hamdallah on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).
Besides the planned consulate, both countries have also agreed to boost economic ties. Jokowi said Palestine had asked the Indonesian government to provide tax relief for Palestinian products.
“But we’re still discussing it. We will provide tax incentives whenever possible,” Jokowi said.
During the meeting, Jokowi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto, and Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel.
Mr. Hamdallah addressed Jokowi as a Palestinian friend.
“President Jokowi is a fried of Palestinian people. We are honored to have support from President Jokowi, who has pledged his commitment to Palestine’s independence since his presidential campaign,” Mr. Hamdallah said.
ANANDA TERESIA
