President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) pressed for the country to make the most of its strategic position in the G20 presidency to prioritize national interests.

“Indonesia is the first developing country to assume the G20 Presidency. Hence, we must make the most of this important strategic position,” President Jokowi affirmed on Thursday.

The head of state later noted that by assuming the G20 Presidency, Indonesia would be at an equal standing as developed countries. With this opportunity, Indonesia should strive to boost efforts and make the most of this position for upholding national interests.

“Our national interest is of greatest importance,” he remarked.

President Jokowi recently returned from a weeklong trip after attending the G20 summit in Rome, the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, and visiting the UAE to intensify relations with friendly countries.

The president pointed to several different aspects from the earlier summits at the meetings.

“There were so many requests for bilateral meetings from countries that were present at the time,” he informed.

Jokowi also noted that several leaders of big nations had approached him at these events.

“And those are coming from big countries. Their heads of state approached me,” he added.

President Jokowi believes it is an honor for Indonesia to assume the G20 Presidency. He later noted that apart from Bali, other cities in Indonesia will host the G20 summit.

“From December 1 to early November 2022, we will hold approximately 150 meetings to discuss financial, climate, and digital economic affairs. All of them will be held in Indonesia,” he remarked.

The president stressed that Indonesia, as a big country with a great history, wants to make the most of the G20 Presidency to positively influence world policies in any possible way.

Source: Antara News