Indonesia and Fiji to Strengthen Cooperation Following Bilateral Meeting in Bali
Bali, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) advocated for enhanced, mutually beneficial cooperation between Indonesia and Fiji during a bilateral meeting with Fijian President Williame Maivalili Katonivere on Monday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum, according to a press release from the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta.
“As a fellow Pacific country, Fiji is a brother and important partner of Indonesia in efforts aimed at making the Pacific a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. We also need to strengthen concrete and mutually beneficial cooperation,” President Jokowi stated.
During the meeting, President Jokowi emphasized three key areas for cooperation, starting with development partnership. He expressed hope that the planned Demonstration Farm and Regional Training Center for Agriculture in Rakiraki, Fiji, supported by Indonesia, would foster research, innovation, and partnerships, thereby contributing to food resilience. “That way, Fiji will be able to emerge as a hub of agricultural development in the Pacific,” he said.
The second crucial area highlighted was people-to-people relations. President Jokowi praised the launch of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association last March. “I believe that the support of Your Excellency will further solidify the people-to-people relations established between our nations,” he told President Katonivere.
Regarding the third point, cooperation in the Pacific, President Jokowi reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to advocating for the aspirations and interests of Pacific nations in various forums. He also reiterated Indonesia’s dedication to maintaining harmonious relations with Pacific countries through active participation in the Melanesian Spearhead Group and the Pacific Islands Forum. “I would like to appreciate Fiji for its consistency in respecting Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and support for Indonesia’s role in the Pacific,” he said.
President Katonivere praised Indonesia’s progress and congratulated President Jokowi on his administration’s achievements. He expressed Fiji’s desire to learn more from Indonesia, noting the successful 50-year relationship between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, and Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia accompanied President Jokowi to the meeting.
