Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands at a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 30. (Photo: AFP/VNA)Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia and India have agreed to lift their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The agreement was reached during the talks in Jakarta on May 30 between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on an official visit to Indonesia.
According to a joint statement issued after the talks, both sides reached a consensus on organising a bilateral summit annually, and continuing regular bilateral consultations through the robust architecture of dialogue in place.
They appreciated the adoption of a shared vision for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region which highlights mutual concerns about a prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
They expressed their satisfaction with the current strategic partnership with intensified cooperation in politics, defence, security and economy.
Both leaders reaffirmed that their countries, as strategic partners and maritime neighbours, must work to further strengthen and broaden the already robust defence cooperation.
They reaffirmed their commitment in the field of defence, with the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries, and agreed to further enhance mutual trust through regular meetings and talks between land, naval and air forces of the two countries.
The two sides agreed to work intensively for the early conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and reiterated that it needs to be comprehensive, fair and balanced with benefit to all member states.
President Widodo stated he welcomes the increase in Indian investments in Indonesia and appreciated their contribution to the Indonesian economy, while Prime Minister Modi also welcomed Indonesian companies’ participation in the Make in India initiative and invited Indonesian businesses to avail of the opportunities presented.-VNA
VNA
