Indonesia, Saudi Arabia Explore Infrastructure, Financial Cooperation

Jeddah (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian and Saudi governments are exploring cooperation in the fields of infrastructure and finance.

Indonesias cabinet secretary Pramono Anung told newsmen on the sidelines of President Joko Widodos visit to Saudi Arabia here on Saturday that President Joko Widodo and King Salman bin Abdulaziz discussed various issues during their bilateral meeting at the Al-Salam Diwan Malaki Palace here.

"The issues that came up for discussion in the meeting between the President and the King included inviting investment in the fields of infrastructure, including oil refinery, roads and finance," he said.

He said during the meeting, King Salman immediately ordered a follow up by instructing the ministers of defense, manpower and financial affairs to meet and discuss in more detail cooperation with President Joko Widodo.

"The King also ordered the Minister of Financial Affairs, the Minister of Hajj Affairs and the Minister of Defense to discuss the cooperation needed. The visit this time is different from the ones undertaken by the head of state in the past since discussions were more detailed about infrastructure, trade and finance," he said.

Pramono said during the meeting, President Joko Widodo also made an appeal for granting of pardon to four Indonesian citizens currently facing death penalty in Saudi Arabia.

"The President has expressed gratitude over the hajj management and requested for pardon for the four Indonesian migrant workers. The King said while he had some authority, the families of the victims also have certain rights," he said.

President Joko Widodo is scheduled to meet with the Saudi Minister of Defense, The Minister of Manpower, the Finance Minister and the chief of the Saudi Intelligence Agency in the evening that day.

"This reflects how important is the cooperation (being sought to be achieved now)," he said. (WDY)