Chinese, Indonesian presidents hold 'warm and friendly' talks in Beijing

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China’s President Xi Jinping hosted his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo on Tuesday, and the two vowed to boost bilateral ties.

The rare meeting was held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. COVID-wary China last hosted foreign leaders during the Winter Olympics in February.

“In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the two presidents had a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and reached broad (and) important common understanding,” a joint statement said.

Xi said Widodo’s first trip to China “speaks volumes about the strong commitment of the two sides to growing bilateral ties.”

Indonesia, a key member of the ASEAN regional grouping, will host the G-20 summit this November.

“China supports Indonesia in hosting the G-20 summit and will increase coordination and cooperation with Indonesia for a full success of the summit,” Xi assured Widodo.

The readout said China-Indonesia relationship not only serves the shared long-term interests of the two countries, but also has "positive, far-reaching impacts regionally and globally."

The two countries have "set an example of major developing countries seeking strength through unity and win-win cooperation,” it added.

“Building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future is the common aspiration and expectation of the two peoples,” Xi told the visiting president, adding: “China will work with Indonesia to cement strategic mutual trust and firmly support each other in defending sovereignty, security and development interests, in exploring development paths in line with national conditions, and in growing the economy and bettering people’s lives.”

Besides the G20, Xi also pledged China’s support for Indonesia as rotating chair of the ASEAN bloc next year.

Earlier on Tuesday, Widodo also met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, with the two sides pledging to enhance trade ties.

On his East Asia trip, Widodo will also visit Japan and South Korea.