JAKARTA, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia and South Africa have pledged to deepen economic cooperation as leaders of the two countries issued a joint press statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia would like to strengthen bilateral relations in key economic sectors, highlighting the importance of trade, agriculture, energy, and education.
Prabowo said Indonesia would explore steps toward a preferential trade agreement or a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with South Africa amid global economic uncertainties.
The president added that Indonesia looks forward to closer people-to-people and business relations, including the possibility of mutual visa waivers to facilitate greater exchange.
South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, on his state visit to Indonesia, said he was accompanied by a strong business delegation to "build a very powerful commercial partnership" between the two countries.
"This state visit was preceded by a business forum which provided a platform for South African companies to engage with their Indonesian counterparts," Ramaphosa said, adding that both sides aim to develop pathways for boosting economic growth through business-to-business partnerships.
He noted that the two countries share a commitment to building resilient and diversified economies and to promoting inclusive growth, particularly through cooperation in forums such as BRICS and the G20. ■
