President Jokowi Supports UN Initiative To Guarantee Ukrainian Food Exports

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky deliver a joint press statement after the meeting of the two leaders at the Maryinsky Palace, Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday (29/6/2022). (ANTARA/HO-Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed his support for the United Nations (UN) initiative to ensure smooth food exports in Ukraine amidst the war triggered by the Russian invasion of the country since February 24, 2022.

President Jokowi met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Maryinsky Palace, Kyiv, Wednesday, June 29 and conveyed that Ukraine plays an important role in the world food supply chain.

Therefore, President Jokowi views the importance of maximum efforts so that Ukraine can resume exporting food.

"It is important for all parties to provide security guarantees for Ukrainian food exports, including through sea ports. I support the United Nations' efforts in this regard," the President said in a press statement quoted by Antara.

A similar statement was previously made by President Jokowi while attending the G7 Summit in Elmau, Germany, on Monday (27/6).

At that time, Jokowi asked for support from G7 member countries to facilitate Ukraine's wheat exports so that they could run again soon.

In addition to the reintegration of wheat exports from Ukraine, Jokowi also emphasized the importance of exporting food and fertilizer commodities from Russia in global supply chains.

Earlier last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union was working hard to establish "solidarity pathways" to facilitate food exports from Ukraine.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also briefly stated that his party was in intensive contact with Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, the United States and the European Union to restore the Ukrainian grain export process amid the threat of a worsening global food crisis.

In his meeting with President Zelensky, President Jokowi also continued his direct invitation to Ukraine to participate in the G20 Summit in Bali next November.

Jokowi also conveyed Indonesia's commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Ukraine, which this year marks its 30th anniversary.

"This year is 30 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Ukraine. I convey Indonesia's commitment to continue strengthening better cooperation," said President Jokowi.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude and appreciation for President Jokowi's presence in Ukraine.

"Thank you for the presence of President Jokowi, which is the first visit by an Asian leader since the invasion of Ukraine. I also invite Indonesian businesses to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine," said President Zelenskyy.

Apart from visiting Ukraine, President Jokowi also plans to continue his working visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin.

Reporter : Gilang Galiartha