Meeting PM Støre, President Jokowi discusses environmental cooperation and the situation in Gaza

Thepresidentpost.id - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a bilateral meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on the sidelines of the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) COP28 which was held in the Bilateral Room, Expo City Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PEA), Friday (12/11/2023). 

During the meeting, the two Heads of State discussed a number of issues, including environmental cooperation between Indonesia and Norway

President Jokowi emphasized that Indonesia has succeeded in reducing emissions through reducing deforestation and forest degradation which has been recognized globally. However, President Joko Widodo also regrets that some parties in Europe have doubts about Indonesia's commitment to preserving forests and the environment.

"I hope that Norway can provide a balanced view, especially regarding the European Union Deforestation Regulations which are discriminatory and have a major impact on 16 million people, most of whom are small farmers," said the President.

Apart from that, President Jokowi and PM Støre also discussed investment cooperation between the two countries. President Jokowi hopes that Norway can realize its JETP commitment as soon as possible and increase investment in developing the Indonesian capital as a forest-based smart city.

"Norway's experience in developing Oslo is well known globally and this will be very valuable for the development of the Indonesian capital," said the President.

Finally, the two leaders of the country also discussed the situation in Gaza. President Jokowi hopes that Norway can again contribute to finding a peace solution in Gaza.

"I really hope that Norway, as a facilitator of the Oslo Agreement, can contribute again in finding a solution for the immediate start of a peace process based on a two-state solution," said the President.

At COP28 this time, PM Støre announced a results-based contribution  of 100 million US Dollars for Indonesia's deforestation reduction performance for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 periods. Last year Norway contributed US$ 56 million to its performance in reducing deforestation for the 2016/2017 period. 

Norway's contribution will continue, especially towards Indonesia's deforestation reduction performance that has occurred, namely the 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 periods.

Also accompanying the President at the meeting were Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pahala Mansury.