VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

US Secretary of State Michael (Mike) Richard Pompeo will visit Jakarta next week on a series of trips to India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia from 25 to 30 October 2020.

Preparations for Foreign Minister Pompeo's visit are still being discussed, including by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and US Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Kim.

“The United States is one of Indonesia's important partners. Indonesia wants to continue to build a mutually beneficial and respectful partnership with the United States,” said Foreign Minister Retno in an online media briefing regarding Pompeo's planned visit on Thursday.

While in Jakarta, Foreign Minister Pompeo is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Retno and attend the Ansor Youth Movement (GP) forum on religious and civilization dialogue.

GP Ansor is a youth social organization in Indonesia that is affiliated with Nahdlatul Ulama.

Secretary Pompeo's visit to Indonesia followed the visit of other high-ranking US officials, including the US deputy minister of defense and a delegation from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

On the other hand, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto also visited the US last week.

"The strong commitment to increasing this partnership is reflected in the intensive visits by officials of the two countries, even during the pandemic," said Foreign Minister Retno.

In a statement released by the US State Department on Thursday, it was stated that Pompeo's visit to Indonesia was carried out to emphasize the two countries' vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In addition, he will discuss trade, security, and diplomatic issues with his partners in Indonesia, including President Joko Widodo.

"In each country, I will discuss various bilateral topics, but also work to find out with each of the countries the best way we can be sure to work together to defend a free and open Indo-Pacific region," Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday. (21/10), as reported by Voice of America.

Pompeo also told reporters that it is in the Southeast Asia countries' best interests to protect their maritime rights and the ability to do business, ensuring that their sovereignty is protected from threats by the Chinese Communist Party. (Antaranews)