Indonesia Stresses Importance of Strengthening Cooperation at 2024 Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum Bali

Nusa Dua – Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi called for the importance of strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and African countries to face increasingly complex global challenges. This was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs while attending the Indonesia Africa Parliamentary Forum as part of the Indonesia Forum (IAF) II.

Retno Marsudi emphasized that inter-parliamentary cooperation could be an important means of bridging the aspirations of the people of both parties.

“Collaboration between parliaments is very important. It allows us to share experiences and best practices in finding solutions to global challenges, and to be a bridge between people’s aspirations,” Retno said in Bali on Sunday (1/9)

He also expressed his appreciation for the close friendship between Indonesia and African countries, which has existed since the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung.

“The solidarity of the Southern countries is the soul of the Bandung spirit,” he added.

Retno also underlined the important role of parliament in maintaining global peace and stability. According to her, parliament has a strategic role in formulating responsive, fair and effective policies to face various global challenges.

“Parliament can share experiences and best practices in formulating responsive, fair and effective policies to support efforts to address today’s complex global challenges,” he stressed.

Similarly, House Speaker Puan Maharani emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Indonesian parliament and African countries. Puan emphasized that this cooperation will not only strengthen relations between the countries, but will also encourage development in various sectors, such as the economy, renewable energy, and food security.

“We can work together in developing renewable energy economy, increasing food security, and economic development,” said Puan.

In addition, Puan also highlighted the importance of women’s roles in the economic and political sectors. “We must work together to increase women’s participation in the economic and political sectors. Women can play a bigger role in society, both in Africa, Indonesia, and the world,” she added.

Puan also emphasized the importance of democratic values ​​within the framework of inter-parliamentary cooperation, as well as encouraging constructive and inclusive dialogue in resolving various problems.

“In the context of inter-parliamentary cooperation, we must advance democratic values. I believe that in the relations between African countries and Indonesia, these values ​​will be achieved if parliaments can strengthen dialogue in solving problems,” he said.