President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today met with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia. President Biden underscored the importance of the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership and they discussed ways to strengthen it. The President welcomed Indonesia’s forthcoming G20 Presidency and expressed support for Indonesia’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific as the world’s third largest democracy and a strong proponent of the international rules-based order. They reflected on the recent U.S.-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit, and the President reiterated the U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality and our support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.They also discussed regional issues, including maritime security and the importance of freedom of the seas. They expressed concern about the coup in Burma and agreed the Burmese military must cease violence, release all political prisoners, and provide for a swift return to democracy. President Biden expressed support for ASEAN’s efforts to hold the Burmese military accountable to the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. Additionally, they discussed efforts to address the climate crisis, strengthen global health security, and provide life-saving U.S. vaccines and assistance to end the COVID-19 pandemic. President Biden emphasized that he intends to continue his engagement with President Widodo as the two leaders work to deepen this critical partnership.
Remarks by President Biden and President Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia Before Bilateral Meeting
PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, it’s wonderful to see you again, Mr. President.
Last week, at the virtual ASEAN Summit, to the G20 meeting, to COP26, Indonesia and the United States have been working together, and we’ve enjoyed it very much.
And today, I’m looking forward to building more on our bilateral relationship because we have so much that we can work together on and so much in common.
Mr. President, Indonesia is a vital strategic partner to the United States. And your leadership in the Indo-Pacific is essential, and I’m looking forward to a successful presidency of the G20 next year.
And our nations also share a strong commitment to our democratic values and respect for the rule of law and international order.
From addressing the climate crisis to ending the COVID-19 pandemic to upholding freedom of the seas, there’s no global challenge today that doesn’t benefit from Indonesia and the United States working together.
Well, again, there’s much to talk about, but I’m taking too much time. I’m looking forward to our conversation today and to continue in our working relationship.
PRESIDENT WIDODO: President Biden, it is an honor for me to meet you again. Congratulations, once again, on Your Excellency’s inauguration as president.
PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you. Thank you for recognizing it. (Laughs.)
PRESIDENT WIDODO: I believe, under Your Excellency’s leadership, we can further strengthen our cooperation.
I appreciate President Biden’s leadership in various global issues — climate change, green energy, COVID-19, and democracy.
Allow me to convey my appreciation for our cooperation during the pandemic through the doses-sharing mechanism in which I received 13.4 million doses of vaccines and 1,000 ventilator unit, therapeutic medicine, and other medical equipment.
Once again, thank you.
PRESIDENT BIDEN: It’s an honor. Thank you.
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