Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that the world needs to join hands to fight the coronavirus pandemic while praising ties with China as the two countries cooperate on developing a vaccine in an interview with CGTN on Friday. 

CGTN Reporter Su Yuting spoke to Marsudi after the foreign minister met Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in south China's Hainan Province. 

Q1: 

Su Yuting: 

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties. What's your overall take on China-Indonesia ties?" 

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi: 

"Seventy years of cooperation signifies a strong relationship between Indonesia and China. In 2013 for example, we elevated our relationship into a strategic comprehensive partnership. The bilateral relationship is very strong and this is reflected across several areas, including investment. China is the number two foreign investor in Indonesia. It's not been easy to manage relations amid the pandemic, but Indonesia and China have still been able to do that even during this tough period. So I'm very glad about the strong relationship between China and Indonesia."

Q2: 

Su Yuting: 

"Could you give us the latest in terms of China-Indonesia cooperation on phase three clinical trials? And how do you evaluate overall efforts to fight the pandemic together?"

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi: 

"Indonesia has cooperated with China and just started the third phase of clinical trials. So far, we haven't received any negative reactions from clinical trial, but of course we have to wait until they're finished. During my visit to Hainan, we had meetings with a number of vaccine manufacturers, and discussed how to further develop cooperation on a vaccine."

Q3: 

Su Yuting:

"The pandemic is seriously affecting the global economy and increasing geopolitical tensions. However, some forces are trying to politicize the virus and stigmatize China in order to shift responsibility. What's your take on the politicization of the virus?"

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi: 

"If you observe my statement on the position of Indonesia, we are very consistent that admits this very challenging time that we are all facing pandemic, I think we have to do together, that is collaboration and cooperation."

(Cover: Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi talks to CGTN. /CGTN)