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On his second day in Hanoi, President Joko Widodo met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Melia Hotel, Hanoi, Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

During the meeting, the President followed up on what had been agreed during his visit to Colombo in January, mainly in the field of trade. One of them is a joint effort between Indonesia and Sri Lanka to export ready-made garments to the European Union.

"Efforts joint submission to the European Commission regarding the transmission of the apparel will open up access to the EU market. We must continue our intensive approach so that the proposal can be accepted by the European Union," the President said Jokowi.

In addition, the President also hopes that the formation of working groups between the two countries in the field of trade and investment can immediately identify potential and overcome obstacles in trade and investment.

"We must encourage that the initial meeting of the working group can be carried out as soon as possible," said the President.

To PM Ranil, the President also encouraged that a joint feasibility study related to efforts to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) between Indonesia and Sri Lanka could begin immediately. During the meeting, President Jokowi also emphasized Indonesia's commitment to support development in Sri Lanka. In the field of connectivity, for example, the President noted Sri Lanka's interest in buying 60 train cars from PT INKA.

"Indonesia also offers a form of" complete package "cooperation, including the purchase of train facilities and infrastructure such as rails, stations, depots and signaling systems," said the President.

Besides the train, the President also said that Indonesia, through PT WIKA was also interested in participating in the steel bridge construction project in Sri Lanka. 

During the meeting, President Jokowi also thanked Sri Lanka's support for Indonesia as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The President also appreciated the participation of Sri Lanka in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

President at the meeting, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto, and Minister of Communication and Information Rudiantara. (biro pers)