Bali, Indonesia – Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the first Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) in Nusa Dua, Bali on Sunday, 1 September 2024. Before the Speakers of Parliaments of Indonesia and African countries, Retno welcomed the IAPF, saying it reflects the close friendship and common values between Indonesia and African countries.
“Although we are geographically separated, the common values of solidarity and equality rooted in the Bandung Spirit of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference continue to unite us,” Retno said. Indonesia remains committed to strengthening this relationship by realising the Bandung Spirit into practical cooperation that benefits the people of Indonesia and African countries. The Bandung Spirit continues to be mentioned in this IAPF meeting.
Amid uncertain global conditions, economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions, as well as the impact of climate change, Retno emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary collaboration. According to her, this collaboration allows parliaments to share experiences and best practices in finding solutions together.
“Parliament should not only function as a lawmaker, but should be a bridge between people’s aspirations and public policy,” Retno emphasised.
Retno also highlighted three important roles of parliament in facing various global challenges.
First, the importance of parliament’s role in maintaining peace and stability.
Retno emphasised that peace and stability are the main conditions for development. On the Palestinian issue, the Foreign Minister conveyed the importance of parliament playing a role in mobilising international public pressure, supporting humanitarian assistance, and encouraging a two-state solution.
‘Together, we must continue to fight for justice and humanity for the Palestinian people,’ she said.
Second, the role of parliament is to expand cooperation in areas that have great potential such as health, food security, trade, investment, energy, and mining. The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the potential for cooperation in these fields is very large.
Lastly, the Minister emphasised the importance of promoting Global South solidarity in pushing for a development agenda and global policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of developing countries while at the same time an inclusive platform is needed to enable North-South collaboration. According to her, this vision is in line with the 1955 Bandung Spirit.
In closing, Foreign Minister Retno invited all participants to utilise strong parliamentary partnerships to achieve the common goals of peace, security and prosperity for all.
The IAPF is held in Nusa Dua, Bali from 31 August to 2 September 2024, and attended by 43 Speakers and Members of Parliament from 15 African countries. The Indonesian parliamentary forum with African countries took the theme ‘Forging Indonesia – Africa Parliamentary Partnership for Development’. The first meeting between the Indonesian and African parliaments was a historic meeting, and was held back-to-back with the 2nd Indonesia – Africa Forum (IAF) and the High Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF-MSP).
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Joint Editor of HLF MSP & IAF II