President Jokowi: Indonesia and Tanzania have similar identity

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo, well-known as Jokowi, said that Indonesia and Tanzania have a similar identity that includes upholding unity and respecting diversity.

Jokowi attended a state luncheon hosted by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at Dar Es Salaam State House, Dar Es Salaam, on Tuesday (August 22). 

"Indonesia has 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,' while Tanzania has 'Uhuru na Umoja,'" Jokowi said in a statement released by his office on Wednesday.

"Uhuru na Umoja" is written in Swahili and means "Freedom and Unity."

At the luncheon, President Jokowi pointed out that his visit to Tanzania was akin to visiting close relatives.

Both countries' philosophy is a big asset for strengthening partnership between them, he said.

During his visit, Jokowi and President Hassan also held a summit to discuss bilateral cooperation in several areas.

The meeting resulted in an agreement on cooperation in the trade, energy, health security, and agriculture sectors.

Indonesia also pushed for a preferential trade agreement (PTA) to further optimize the trade potential between the two countries that experienced an increase of 20.7 percent in 2022.

President Jokowi echoed Indonesia's willingness to increase investment in Tanzania, including in the management of a gas block in Mnazi Bay, Tanzania, by a state-owned enterprise (SOE), and the conversion of natural gas into chemicals and fertilizers.

During the meeting, the president also reiterated Indonesia's commitment to participate in health resilience development in Tanzania by providing pharmacy products.