The meeting between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala was carried out after the former visited Hannover, Germany, for the Hannover Messe 2023.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (locally known as Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Czech Prime Minister (PM) Petr Fiala, Tuesday (April 18), at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Indonesia’s West Java province.

“This visit is very important. This is the first visit by a head of government from the Czech Republic,” Widodo said, emphasizing that the visit by the prime minister of a country which is a member of the Visegrad group has a strategic value for both countries.

The Visegrad group (V4) consists of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

The president also said he was happy to be able to welcome the Czech prime minister at the Bogor Palace. This meeting was held after President Widodo visited Hannover, Germany, for the Hannover Messe 2023.

"This morning I arrived from Hannover, and starting tomorrow Indonesia will have a one-week holiday for Eid al-Fitr. However, I am very happy that this meeting can be held," he said.

The Czech prime minister also emphasized the importance of cooperation between Indonesia and his country.

"Indonesia is a very important partner for the Czech Republic and also the European Union," he said.

On the occasion, PM Fiala likewise appreciated Indonesia for the holding of the G20 Presidency which he considered to be a success.

"I hope that Indonesia will also be successful in chairing ASEAN this year," said Fiala who also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome given to him.

"I am very happy to be able to visit your beautiful country," PM Fiala said.

This meeting is a follow-up to the meeting between the two leaders on December 14, 2022.

During the meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, the Indonesian president addressed several issues, namely economic cooperation, strategic defense and industrial cooperation, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Present on the occasion included Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi and Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi.

Reporting by Indonesia Window