President Joko Widodo or Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that during the bilateral meeting between Jokowi and Justin Trudeau at Merdeka Palace, Trudeau expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's leadership in the region, which is considered very influential.

“Prime Minister Trudeau also said that Indonesia's leadership in the region is felt and greatly appreciated. Last year Indonesia became president of the G20 and this year it became president of ASEAN,” Retno Marsudi said.

Furthermore, Jokowi and Prime Minister Trudeau discussed the soon-to-be-launched ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership and hope that it can soon be followed by concrete results in cooperation.

In fact, the two leaders are also very satisfied with the fairly strong increase in bilateral trade in 2022.

“Trade increased by 37 percent and this exceeded the pre-pandemic value. Apart from this, the two leaders also agreed to work towards the completion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. “by the end of next year, the end of 2024,” Retno said. .

According to him, Jokowi also welcomed the formation of a bilateral working group that is expected to immediately follow up on the agreements discussed by the two leaders.

Jokowi encouraged the Pension Fund to invest in Indonesia, especially in a number of strategic infrastructure projects in Indonesia, including the Indonesian Capital Development (IKN) and a green airport in North Kalimantan.

“The two leaders also spoke about the importance of cooperation for food security and currently the Indonesian BUMN is exploring cooperation in potash supply as well as joint ventures with Canadian companies and the President really hopes that this can come to fruition soon,” Retno explained.