TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government hoped that the spirit of cooperation in the series of meetings of the Indonesian G20 Presidency can continue at the 2022 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

"APEC must be part of efforts to accelerate economic recovery in the Asia and Pacific region," said President Jokowi in his introductory speech during a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, November 18, 2022.

In a statement from the Press, Media and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat received in Jakarta on Friday, Jokowi discussed three main issues with Ardern, namely strengthening economic cooperation, collaboration in energy transition, and strengthening cooperation in the Pacific region.

"We need to encourage market access for trade between the two countries [Indonesia and New Zealand], especially in agricultural commodities, minerals, iron and steel, and plastics, as well as cooperation in agriculture and halal certification," Jokowi said.

In the field of energy transition cooperation, Jokowi said Indonesia continues to strengthen energy transition efforts using new and renewable energy. "I invite New Zealand businesses to invest in developing geothermal energy in Indonesia," he added.

Meanwhile, in the field of regional cooperation, Indonesia is committed to promoting development cooperation in the Pacific region. Therefore, in 2023, Indonesia will encourage the attachment of Pacific countries to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"I want New Zealand to be able to become a bridge connecting the partnership between ASEAN and the Pacific in the Indo-Pacific region," Jokowi said.

Meanwhile, Ardern expressed her appreciation to Indonesia for holding the G20 Presidency and congratulated Indonesia on its 2023 ASEAN in becoming the chairman. "New Zealand is ready to support Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN next year," said Ardern.

ANTARA l IMAJI LASAHIDO

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