REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Government is committed to solidifying relations and stepping up development cooperation with African countries, including Namibia, Indonesian Ambassador to Namibia Wisnu Edi Pratignyo stated.

According to a statement received here on Wednesday (Jan 31) from the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek, Pratignyo met with Namibian Foreign Affairs Ministry's Director of Bilateral Affairs Sabine Moller and Director of the UN World Food Program to Namibia George Fedha on Monday (Jan 29).

"Indonesia is ready to broaden the extent of fields covered by Indonesia-Namibia development cooperation to include agriculture, fishery, and education," he noted.

In its statement, the embassy highlighted that Moller and Fedha warmly welcomed the ambassador's offer, particularly concerning the agriculture sector. The cooperation is expected to strengthen ties between Indonesia and Namibia and help the two countries grow their economy.

During the meeting, Pratignyo also stated that Indonesia would host the Indonesia-Africa Forum II in May this year to demonstrate the country's genuine commitment to strengthening bonds with countries in Africa.

"The Indonesia-Africa Forum II is expected to serve as an effective platform for deepening cooperation and paving the way for even closer relations between Indonesia and African countries," the ambassador noted.

The first edition of the Indonesia-Africa Forum took place in Indonesia's Bali Province in 2018.

Africa was among the continents visited by Indonesian President Joko Widodo last year. The president stated that Indonesia and African countries share longstanding historical relations, given that Indonesia was the pioneer and host of the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955.

During the period of August 20-25 last year, President Widodo had visited the African continent for the first time ever in the capacity of head of state.

Widodo had the opportunity to visit four African countries, namely Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. The president made the most of his inaugural visits to hold high-level bilateral meetings with the aim of exploring bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and development.

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