President Jokowi Encourages Increasing Cooperation To Benefit RI-Fiji

Presiden Joko Widodo dan Presiden Fiji Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere saat melakukan pertemuan bilateral di Bali, Senin (20/5/2024). ANTARA/HO-Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo and Fiji President Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum Summit at the Bali International Convention Center, Badung, Bali.

Reported by ANTARA from the Presidential Secretariat, Jokowi encourages increased concrete, mutually beneficial cooperation between Indonesia and Fiji.

"As fellow Pacific countries, Fiji is an important brother and partner for Indonesia in making the Pacific region a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. We also need to strengthen concrete and mutually beneficial cooperation," said the President, Monday, May 20.

During the meeting, President Jokowi emphasized three important points. First, regarding development partnerships.

President Jokowi hopes that regional agricultural training centers in Rakiraki, Fiji, can be used to advance research, innovation, and partnerships that contribute to food security.

"So that in the future Fiji can become the hub for agricultural development in the Pacific region," he said.

Second, regarding cooperation between communities, President Jokowi appreciated the launch of the Fiji-Indonesian Friendship Association Forum last March.

"I am sure that Her Majesty's support will further strengthen relations between the people of our two countries," he said.

Third, regarding cooperation in the Pacific, President Jokowi emphasized Indonesia's commitment to continue to voice Pacific aspirations and interests in various forums.

Indonesia is also committed to fostering cooperation, especially through the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), based on the principle of mutual respect, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I appreciate Fiji's consistency in respecting the sovereignty and integrity of the territory of Indonesia and its support for Indonesia's role in the Pacific," he said.

Meanwhile, Fiji President Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere expressed his admiration for Indonesia's transformation and congratulated President Jokowi's leadership.

"We have a lot to learn from you," said Fiji president, stressing that this is an important time in bilateral relations that has been going on for 50 years.

This meeting marks an increase in collaboration between the two countries in maintaining stability and prosperity in the Pacific region. The meeting also underscores the commitment of the two countries to continue working together in facing global and regional challenges.