Indonesia-Africa Forum, first conference hold in Nusa Dua on April 10/11 th 2018
The Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), the first economic conference of its kind,
kicked off on Tuesday with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi expressing
Indonesia’s interest to take a greater role in Africa’s development.
The forum, which was initiated by Indonesia, is being held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on April 10/11 th 2018.
“You might ask why did Indonesia initiate the Indonesia-Africa Forum?”
said Retno at the opening ceremony. “The quick answer is because Indonesia loves Africa.”
Retno, who participated in the opening dance,
later explained that Indonesia and Africa had established their friendly ties in 1955
through the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung.
Since then, the minister said, Indonesia had grown to “love” Africa and closely
monitored Africa’s progress, particular initiatives like the Africa Free Trade Continent
and the Africa Vision 2063.
“The forum itself was initiated as Indonesia wants equal,
caring, sustainable and win-win collaboration for all nations.”
Indonesia wants to be part of developments in Africa, just like Indonesia
wanted Africa to be part of its own development, Retno said.
“Please make use of this Forum to unleash all of our potential and possibilities,
” she told delegates in her remarks before quoting the lyrics of
famous Colombian singer Shakira: “As the song Waka-waka says: this time is for Africa.”
During the 2 days event he Indonesia–Africa Business Forum will discus various topics
such as connectivity, the digital economy and talk about strategic topics such as
economic diplomacy, infrastructure and digital transformations
Source : http://www.thejakartapost.com