Indonesia Aims to Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Solomon Islands, Kongo
- VIVA.co.id/Natania Longdong
Bali, VIVA – The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa, held bilateral meetings with representatives from the Solomon Islands and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Tuesday (September 3).
Monoarfa stated that Indonesia and the Congo are friendly nations that have long maintained a good relationship.
“For the past few years, maybe almost the last 10 years, we have been supporting and cooperating with countries in the Pacific region, and we will continue to do so,” Monoarfa said in Bali.
The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation in various fields, particularly in addressing the challenges of climate change and sustainable development.
Menteri Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional/Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Nasional (PPN/Bappenas), Suharso Monoarfa
- VIVA.co.id/Anisa Aulia
“They hope Indonesia can assist them. One of the reasons Indonesia is keen to help such countries is because we, too, have experience receiving assistance from developed countries,” Monoarfa remarked.
The Solomon Islands were represented by the Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Annex Ramofafia, along with the Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Tozen Leokana.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Development Aid Coordination, Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya.
During the meeting, Minister Suharso appreciated the active participation of the Solomon Islands in the 2024 High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (HLF-MSP), which focuses on crucial issues such as rising sea levels and sustainable development.
Since 2018, Indonesia, through the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, has supported various development programs in the Solomon Islands, including the construction of a multifunctional stadium, Covid-19 pandemic response, and capacity building in fisheries.
Monoarfa also emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling the significant impact of rising sea levels on Asia-Pacific countries, including the Solomon Islands.
Indonesia hopes to enhance cooperation in the blue economy and tourism sectors, particularly in the development of sustainable ecotourism.
In this meeting, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global solidarity through active participation in the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC), where Indonesia and the Congo serve as co-chairs.