Indonesian President Jokowi Holds Bilateral Meeting with Cambodian PM Hun Sen at ASEAN Summit

Jakarta –

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo. Jokowi expressed his gratitude for the support provided by Cambodia regarding the chairmanship of ASEAN.

This was revealed by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. To note, the ASEAN Summit meeting was held at the Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

“The president also expressed his gratitude for Cambodia’s support for Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN this year,” Retno said in a written statement.

In addition, the two leaders also discussed increasing economic cooperation between the two countries. Jokowi emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to continue to enhance economic cooperation with Cambodia.

“Including Indonesia’s desire to be involved in development in Cambodia, especially in the development of infrastructure projects,” said Retno.

Jokowi also expressed his appreciation for Cambodia’s assistance in saving Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were victims of human trafficking to online crimes.

“Mr President also expressed his gratitude for Cambodia’s assistance when we had to save Indonesian citizens who were victims of human trafficking, especially for online crime schemes,” said Retno.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Sen also apologized to the Indonesian government for the incident where the Indonesian flag was placed upside down during the prelude to the opening ceremony of the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

“Prime Minister Hun Sen apologized to Indonesia for the incident where the Indonesian flag overturned at the start of the SEA Games opening ceremony,” said Retno.

Accompanying Jokowi in this bilateral meeting were the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud Md., Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, and Minister for State Secretary Pratikno.

(eva/lira)