TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is scheduled for an official visit to Indonesia this coming Sunday, January 15, 2017. Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said that Mr. Abe and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo will focus on business talks and strengthening economic ties.
Met after a closed cabinet meeting at the presidential office on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 Retno said the meeting specifically discussed about preparations to welcome Abe to the Bogor Palace in West Java.
PM Abe will bring with him delegates of some 30 CEOs of Japanese firms. After a dialogue with Mr. Abe, President Widodo will meet the Japanese CEOs as well.
Retno said that Japan is one of Indonesia's most important business partners, with last year's bilateral trade value reaching more than US$31 billion. Japan is also Indonesia's second biggest investor with an investment value of US$4.5 billion in the period of January-September 2016.
Retno said that although the two head of states will focus on economic discussions, they may speak of other issues as well.
"I'm quite sure that the President and the Prime Minister will also talk about political situations and the global conditions, how to cooperate with Japan, and other issues," Retno said.
AMIRULLAH SUHADA
