TEMPO.CO, Bogor - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had a bilateral meeting with Dutch King Willem-Alexander at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java on Tuesday, March 10, during which they signed a business deal worth US$1 billion.

“[We have agreed on] several business cooperations with a quite high value up to some US$1 billion,” said the President.

During the visit to Indonesia, King Willem-Alexander was accompanied by Queen Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti, bringing with them a total of 180 entrepreneurs.

Jokowi stated that the Netherlands is Indonesia’s important trading, investment, and tourism partner in Europe.

“Among European countries, the Netherlands is Indonesia’s second-largest trading partner, the first largest investment partner, and the fourth-largest tourism partner,” the state head remarked.

He outlined several partnerships agreed by both countries, including integrated production of palm oil, women, peace, and security sector, as well as infectious disease control management.

“In conclusion, I’d like to say that we cannot erase the past, but we can learn from it. We take it as a lesson to affirm our commitment to building an equal relationship based on mutual respect and benefit,” Jokowi remarked.

EGI ADYATAMA