Indonesia, SL to strengthen trade and economic ties

President Maithripala Sirisena, who is on a state visit to Indonesia to attend the Indian Ocean Rim Association Leaders’ Summit, met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo yesterday.

The Indonesian President warmly welcomed President Sirisena when he arrived at Merdeka Palace, the official residence of the Indonesian President, marking the first state visit by a Sri Lankan Head of State to Indonesia in 40 years.

A colourful welcoming ceremony was organised at Merdeka Palace to greet Sirisena while he was also accorded a 21-gun salute.  

A meeting between the two leaders commenced following a cordial discussion.

“The visit will help to further strengthen close, friendly relations and cooperation between our countries,” Widodo said.

The implementation of a new plan to strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism between the two countries was discussed in detail and further attention was focused on implementing a program to exchange technical knowledge in the field of agriculture.    

The two leaders held discussions about collectively working on strengthening regional security.   

Their attention was also drawn to the proposal for a free trade agreement between both countries while they further discussed examining the possibility of this through the two countries’ foreign ministries. 

The Indonesian President stated that he would provide the required support for development programs in Sri Lanka. The two leaders discussed cooperating in the program carried out to strengthen democracy within both democratic nations. 

The President further stated that opportunities for Indonesian private and government investors could be created. “The Government is ready to provide the required tax relief for them,” he said.

President Sirisena invited the Indonesian President to visit Sri Lanka. He also requested him to send a representative of the Indonesian Government for the international Vesak festival which will be held in Sri Lanka in May.

Two agreements on maritime and fishing cooperation and cooperation in traditional industries were signed in the presence of the two leaders. State Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Duleep Vedaarachchi signed on behalf of Sri Lanka while the Maritime and Fisheries Minister of Indonesia signed the agreement for Indonesia.

Thereafter the two leaders attended a joint media conference.

Afterward Sirisena and the delegation attended a luncheon hosted by Widodo.