WASHINGTON, D.C.: United States President Joe Biden celebrated a 'new era' in the relationship between his country and Indonesia as he met with his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo at the White House on Monday, formalizing closer ties with the world's third largest democracy and a heavyweight player in Southeast Asia.

The announcement reflects the US' commitment to the region before Biden heads to San Francisco, California for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.