RI, Egypt discuss efforts to enhance cooperation

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab discussed efforts to enhance cooperation between the two countries known for their moderate political views at a bilateral meeting here on Thursday.

The two predominantly Muslim countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation to showcase moderate Islamic politics, Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto stated.

At the bilateral meeting, both sides also agreed that stability in the Middle East relies on two factors; first, the peaceful solution to numerous problems in the region; and second, joint action to thwart state-level terrorist organizations, he noted.

In the area of defense cooperation, the two heads of state discussed Indonesias offer to sell the products of its strategic defense industry to Egypt, he pointed out.

"Defense dialogs between the two countries will be intensified. Indonesia has offered to sell several products of its strategic defense industry to Egypt," he revealed.

In the economic field, the two nations have agreed to pay special attention to strengthening small and medium businesses, so that they can grow to support each others economy, he affirmed.

"The Egyptian prime minister inquired about the policy to divert fuel subsidy to other sectors. President Joko Widodo explained the reason and mechanism of diverting fuel subsidy to the productive sectors, infrastructure development, educational assistance, and healthcare for the people," he added.(*)

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