Xi calls for renewed friendship with Indonesia

President Xi Jinping called on Monday for solidarity between China and Indonesia to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and enrich the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

In a message exchange with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Xi recalled time-honored friendship and exchanges between the two nations, adding that bilateral relations have made great strides in 70 years.

The nations have kept elevating their relations, expanding areas of cooperation and jointly building the Belt and Road with rich outcomes, he said. They also have worked closely together on international and regional issues, contributing to the well-being of both peoples and prosperity and stability at regional and global levels, he said.

China and Indonesia share broad common interests at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, and the potential for bilateral cooperation remains huge, he added.

Xi said he attaches great importance to bilateral relations and is ready to make concerted efforts with his Indonesian counterpart to inject fresh momentum into regional development.

The Indonesian president said the two countries share historical and cultural bonds, and the close contacts between their leaders and peoples have built a solid friendship.

He said their ties have become increasingly mature in the past 70 years, and the two countries have kept creating cooperative opportunities that benefited the two peoples, which is a source of pride for both.

He called on the two sides to uphold a cooperative spirit under the framework of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, which will surely help the growth and prosperity of both countries and contribute to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.