President Joko Widodo embarks on African tour to strengthen bilateral ties and South-South solidarity

INDONESIA: President Joko Widodo of Indonesia has embarked on a diplomatic tour to several African nations, including Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa.

Commencing on Sunday (20 Aug), this tour aims to foster solidarity among global southern nations and reinforce the longstanding ties between Indonesia and Africa.

Accompanying President Jokowi on the flight to Kenya are key officials, including Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif, Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andy Rachmianto, Presidential Military Secretary Rear Admiral Hersan, Commander of the Presidential Security Force Major General Rafael Granada Baay, and Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media Affairs at the Presidential Secretariat, Bey Machmudin.

The presidential entourage departed from Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, using a Garuda Indonesia GIA-1 aircraft at approximately 11:00 AM local time.

In a press statement before departure, President Widodo stated that his inaugural visit to the African region aims to fortify solidarity and cooperation among nations of the global south.

He underscored Indonesia’s historical role as the initiator and host of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, as well as its significant contribution to the non-aligned movement. “The ‘Bandung Spirit’ is what I will bring to Africa to bolster solidarity and cooperation among global south nations,” President Widodo remarked.

President Widodo further noted that both Kenya and Tanzania had established embassies in Jakarta in 2022, underscoring their commitment to enhancing cooperation with Indonesia. This commitment was highlighted in a press release from the Presidential Secretariat on 20 August.

The first leg of President Widodo’s journey will take him to the Republic of Kenya, where he is slated to meet with President William Ruto to strengthen bilateral relations.

Subsequently, the President will continue his tour by visiting the United Republic of Tanzania, where he will engage with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and participate in business discussions with various corporate leaders.

President Widodo’s itinerary also encompasses a visit to the Republic of Mozambique, Indonesia’s inaugural African partner in a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

This international accord, with limited membership, aims to ensure and enrich market access for both nations. During this leg, President Widodo will engage in bilateral talks with President Filipe Nyusi.

The Asia-Africa Conference, Bandung, West Java, 1955.

The African tour will conclude with President Widodo’s participation in the 2023 BRICS Summit, hosted by South Africa.

This important event will bring together the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Amidst the BRICS Summit, President Widodo is expected to engage in various bilateral meetings with fellow heads of state.

President Widodo’s anticipated return to Indonesia is scheduled for Friday (25 August), expecting the successful advancement of Indonesia’s diplomatic outreach and the further strengthening of its bonds with African nations.