Indonesia to Host Historic Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum with 22 Nations
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has announced that representatives from 22 countries will attend the upcoming Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF). This landmark event, themed “Forging Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Partnership for Development,” will take place as part of the Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali from September 1 to 3.
“This will be the first inter-parliamentary forum between Indonesia and African countries since the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference and the 1961 Non-Aligned Movement Conference,” stated Fadli Zon, Chairperson of BKSAP, in a statement on Friday. The forum will be attended by nine parliamentary chairpersons who will lead their respective delegations at the IAPF.
Zon emphasized that this forum marks a significant achievement in Indonesia’s foreign policy, particularly in strengthening cooperation within the Global South. “The rise of countries in the Southern Hemisphere should be bolstered by cooperation mechanisms, including inter-parliamentary collaboration between Indonesia and Africa,” he remarked.
The IAPF is expected to serve as a pivotal platform for enhancing collaboration between Indonesian and African parliamentarians. It is also anticipated to yield new commitments aimed at encouraging long-term development cooperation between the two regions. Zon highlighted that the forum will reaffirm mutual commitments to strengthening economic, political, and social connectivity between Indonesia and African countries.
Indonesia and Africa share substantial economic potential, and Zon pointed out that by tapping into this potential through collaboration, both regions could achieve more equitable development for their citizens. Potential sectors for cooperation include the economy, health, agriculture, energy, communications, and technology.
The inaugural Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum is poised to set a new course for inter-parliamentary relations and cooperation, reflecting the shared aspirations of Indonesia and African nations for sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
