REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's planned state visit to Indonesia on January 15-16 will be essentially focused on economic issues as part of the framework for Indonesia-Japan bilateral cooperation, Arrmanantha Nasir said. "At the meeting, the Foreign Minister (Retno Marsudi) will accompany President Joko Widodo. Economic issues will form a big part of the discussions," the foreign ministry's spokesman said here on Thursday.

He said the first state visit by PM Abe showed the two countries' strong commitment to increase bilateral cooperation. "Japan is Indonesia's strategic partner in various fields. We will continue to enhance cooperation based upon the principle of mutual benefits," he emphasized.

He said PM Abe would visit Indonesia along with around 30 CEOs and leaders of businesses operating in banking, manufacturing, steel industry and transportation sectors. 

Also read: Shinzo Abe to bring along group of CEOs to Jakarta

The governments of both the countries will also discuss cooperation in the maritime field with regard to infrastructure development, connectivity improvement and investment.

The two leaders will discuss investment in the infrastructure projects, including the Patimban port development project in West Java and the Jakarta-Surabaya high speed railway development as well as the oil and gas fields in Masela Block in Maluku. "Political, cultural and regional issues will also be part of the discussions," Arrmanatha added.

The meeting between PM Abe and President Joko Widodo will take place at the Bogor State Palace in West Java while PM Abe is scheduled to return to Japan on January 16. Total value of trade between the two countries in 2016 reached US$31 billion while Japan's investment in the country reached US$4.5 billion. 

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika