President Widodo Welcomes Arrival Of US Vice President

President Joko Widodo (right) with United States Vice President Michael R. Pence (left) shakes hands after conveying information to journalists at the Istana Merdeka, Jakarta.(ANTARA FOTO/Puspa Perwitasari/wdy/17)

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo has welcomed the arrival of US Vice President Michael Richard Pence at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

The US vice president along with his wife Karen Pence and Indonesian President Widodo will be part of a photo session.

Furthermore, US Vice President Pence and President Widodo will hold a veranda talk and issue a joint press statement.

Pence and Widodo will watch cultural performances.

On the occasion, First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo greeted Karen Pence as part of the Spouse Program.

The US vice president will hold a bilateral meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Jusuf Kalla at the Vice Presidential Palace at around 11:40 a.m. local time.

Foreign Ministry's spokesman Armanatha Nasir stated that Pence and Kalla will discuss bilateral economic cooperation and enhancement of strategic partnership between the US and Indonesia.

"It is also related to the situation in the region and the role of the US in the region as well as the fight against terrorism and radicalism," he noted.

Several memoranda of understanding between US companies, including state-owned enterprises, will be signed on the occasion of the visit of the US Vice President Pence.

US Vice President Pence is scheduled to visit the Istiqlal Mosque, meet the ASEAN secretary general, and hold business meetings. (WDY)