Indonesian President Joko Widodo and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier discussed the situation in war-ravaged Ukraine and Indo-Pacific cooperation during a meeting at Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Thursday.

“With regard to regional and global issues, we exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and Indo-Pacific cooperation,” Widodo said at a joint press conference with Steinmeier at the palace.

He reiterated Indonesia’s stance on the importance of respecting regional sovereignty and integrity. To that end, Indonesia called for consistent compliance with the principles of international laws.

“The culture of peace and mutual respect and the spirit of cooperation need to be strengthened,” Widodo said.

The Indonesian leader encouraged cooperation with Germany to deal with the impact of the war in Ukraine, particularly in the food and energy sector, as well as cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

He also stressed the significance of inclusive regional architecture that prioritizes collaboration instead of containment under the spirit of multilateral cooperation and peace.

President Steinmeier and his entourage arrived at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Wednesday (June 15, 2022). He is scheduled to stay in Indonesia until June 17. President Steinmeier had earlier visited Singapore from June 13–15.

Widodo noted that earlier, Steinmeier had visited Indonesia to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The two countries officially established diplomatic relations on June 25, 1952.

The highlight of this visit is to discuss investment, trade, energy transition, and cooperation between G20 and G7 countries, as Germany is the chair of the G7, while Indonesia is holding the G20 Presidency this year.

Source: Antara News