Bangkok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday affirmed their commitment to working together for peace, security, and prosperity and achieving their shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders discussed the threat of extremism and terrorism and agreed to work closely bilaterally and globally to tackle the menace, said a statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Modi and Widodo expressed their views during their meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit here. Modi congratulated Widodo on the start of his second term as the President of Indonesia and conveyed to him India’s commitment to working with Indonesia in areas of defence, security, connectivity, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchange. The two leaders had a forward-looking discussion on enhancing bilateral trade and Modi stressed the need for greater market access to Indian commodities, including, pharmaceutical, automotive and agricultural products. Noting that Indian companies have made a substantial investment in Indonesia, Modi invited Indonesian companies to invest in India. Modi also invited the Indonesian President to visit India at a mutually convenient time next year. India attaches high priority to its bilateral relationship with Indonesia, with which it shares a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, said the statement, adding that India and Indonesia are also commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year. (IANS)