TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have agreed to step up bilateral partnership in the economic sector. The agreement is reached during Rutte's official visit to the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday, Oct. 7.

"We will continue to strengthen this cooperation by adopting a framework of comprehensive partnerships owned by the two countries, Indonesia and the Netherlands," said the President in a statement with Rutte.

Amid the weakening global economy, Jokowi added, enhancing the economic ties was necessary. In the trade sector, Indonesia and the Netherlands agreed to bolster the open and fair trade.

"In this subject, I have again conveyed Indonesia's concerns about the European Union's policy on palm oil," he remarked.

Jokowi also expressed his appreciation for the new cooperation inked by the two countries in New York on September 26, 2019, on the capacity development of palm oil farmers that aimed at producing sustainable palm oil.

In the investment sector, Jokowi invited the Netherlands to improving the partnerships in maritime infrastructure and water management. He told Rutte that his priority program for the next five years would be human resource development. "Because education is fundamental, especially vocational education," he added.

During the meeting, Jokowi also discussed efforts to increase ties in the vocational field, including in maritime and nursing fields.

FRISKI RIANA