House of Representatives calls on Indonesia and Africa to express their aspirations

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NUSA DUA, Bali (ANTARA) – House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani called on the parliaments of Indonesia and African countries to strongly express their desire to establish concrete partnerships that benefit their peoples. “I invite us to emphasize that parliaments will lead the struggle for peace and prosperity in Africa, Indonesia and the world,” Maharani said at the opening ceremony of the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) 2024 in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Sunday.

She hoped that the forum would enhance relations between Indonesia and African countries, noting that such enhancement could only be achieved if parliaments strengthened (rather than duplicated) cooperation between governments.

“If IAPF collaboration can help realize the aspirations of the African and Indonesian peoples for a more peaceful and prosperous life, it will bring added value,” she said.

She added: “Given the various global crises that directly affect our citizens, Parliament must become more proactive in addressing global issues.”

Maharani stressed that parliaments must promote peace, condemn violence and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy in addressing international issues — especially in democracies where parliaments play a role in formulating policies related to war or peace.

She also stressed that Indonesia and Africa should continue to support the Palestinian struggle for independence, work to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and advocate for peace in conflict-affected regions.

She added: “Similarly, we are faced with a choice: to promote mutually beneficial cooperation rather than zero-sum games, and to strengthen multilateralism rather than pursue unilateral policies.”

The IAPF was held in Bali from August 31 to September 2, with the theme of “Strengthening Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Development Partnership”.

The event, which is held in conjunction with the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) High Level Forum (FTT), will see the participation of around 855 participants from various countries.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is expected to attend the event.

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