Indonesian president to visit Europe for economic, anti-terrorism talks

Indonesian President Joko Widodo will visit four European countries next week to boost trade and improve efforts in fighting terrorism.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi said in a statement on Tuesday that the president, who is popularly known as Jokowi, will be in Germany, England, Belgium, and the Netherlands between April 18 and April 22.

The minister said that the Indonesian delegates are also scheduled to have separate meetings with senior European Union officials.

"This visit will strengthen the strategic partnership between Indonesian and the European Union amid the new global challenges," said Retno, noting that Indonesia was the first country to establish the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (PCA) with the EU.

"Delegates from the private sector will accompany the president during this trip to Europe," said Retno.

Last year, trade between Indonesia and EU countries stood at 26. 4 billion U.S. dollars. Investment from the European countries into Indonesia totalled at 2.26 billion dollars.

Retno added that the Indonesian president will address the efforts to eradicate terrorism and extremism, and the importance of tolerance during the visit.