Prabowo, Xi discuss blue economy, infrastructure: Hartarto

Beijing (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping touched upon an array of issues, including the blue economy and construction of giant sea walls, during their meeting in Beijing on Saturday (November 9).

Speaking to ANTARA here Sunday, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto remarked that President Prabowo and his Chinese counterpart drew attention to maritime affairs, energy, and fisheries when discussing the blue economy.

"Mr. President (Prabowo) also highlighted his plan to build the great sea walls in the north of Java," he remarked while noting that the plan, along with the successful Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train bilateral project, was positively responded by Xi.

Hartarto added that the two heads of state also made the most of their bilateral meeting to discuss the implementation of the local currency settlement (LCS) as well as the Two Countries Twin Parks initiative, which aims to promote bilateral cooperation in the development of industrial parks.

According to the minister, the two leaders also talked about their countries' political and economic ties in connection with Donald Trump's victory in the recent presidential election of the United States.

"The US understands that we are enjoying robust investment and trade relations with China," he stated while alluding to the membership of Indonesia and China in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

He then expressed belief that the Indonesia-China economic relationship would not lead the US to the withdrawal of its support for Indonesia, considering that it has also become a party to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, launched by US President Joe Biden.

"Yesterday, Mr. President affirmed that Indonesia is a non-aligned state that is willing to cooperate with anyone. It should be noted that the president would soon visit Washington after wrapping up his agenda here," he said, adding that Saturday's meeting also resulted in the signing of a financing deal for Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals program.