Indonesia, United States To Enhance Strategic Partnership

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia and the United States are eyeing to enhance their strategic maritime partnership to support Indonesian President Joko Widodo's priority targets.

"Enhancing the partnership between Indonesia and the United States is considered to be more strategic as it will reflect the priority and agenda of the Indonesian 'Kerja' cabinet of President Widodo's administration," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi noted in a press statement received here, Tuesday.

Minister Retno discussed the matter with her United States counterpart John F. Kerry in Washington D.C., on Monday, as part of her working visit, and the result will be reported to each head of state.

Both Retno and Kerry also announced President Widodo's plan to visit the United States on October 26.

"I would like to confirm to State Secretary Kerry that President Widodo's visit to the United States would contribute significantly to the people's prosperity," Retno stated shortly after meeting Kerry.

During the presidential state visit to the United States, President Barack Obama is scheduled to welcome Indonesian President Widodo at the Oval Office.

As an honorary guest of the United States, President Widodo will be staying at the Blair House during his visit.

"The Oval Office meeting and his stay at the Blair House is a symbol of the sound relationship between both countries," Retno emphasized.

President Widodo's visit also coincides with the five-year commemoration of the Indonesia-US comprehensive partnership, which was established in 2010.

"During the state visit, both countrymen (Widodo and Obama) are also scheduled to establish more strategic Indonesia-US partnerships," Retno noted.

 "Besides economic cooperation, Indonesia-US relations will also be focusing on several sectors such as maritime, defense and security, as well as democracy and pluralism," noted the Indonesian foreign affairs minister.

The ministerial-level bilateral meeting also discussed cooperation to promote tolerance and moderation in addressing the current global challenges of radicalism.

Responding to the matter, Kerry affirmed that Indonesia is a symbol of tolerance and pluralism.  

Kerry also stated that as the largest Muslim populated country in the world, Indonesia plays an important role in addressing several global issues of extremism and radicalism. (WDY)