Gala Dinner Welcomes IAPF Delegation, Puan: This Forum Becomes A New Round Of RI-African Relations

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani (Dok DPR Photo)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, welcomed the Indonesian-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) delegation with a dinner or dinner. The Indonesian parliamentary forum with African countries is considered to be a new chapter in relations between the two parties.

The Indonesian House of Representatives as the host host hosts delegates with a welcome dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali, Saturday (31/8/24) night. Officially the IAPF forum will open tomorrow, Sunday (1/9).

"With this dinner, I hope to become a new chapter or open a new chapter of Indonesia's cooperation with African countries," said Puan when delivering a speech at the Gala Dinner.

The series of dinner activities were attended by all delegates from African countries. The IAPF event will be held from today until September 2 in Bali.

With the theme 'Strengthening the Indonesian-African Parliamentary Partnership for Development' at the IAPF event, the DPR wants to focus on building partnerships between Parliaments. That way, said Puan, Indonesia's relations with Africa will further expand so that it becomes more inclusive.

"We are delighted to be gathered in Bali, an island that is famous for the natural beauty and culture of Indonesia in the eyes of the international community," said the first woman to serve as chairman of the DPR.

With the concept of a park on the beach of Nusa Dua, the Gala Dinner is getting more lively but warm. The delegates also seemed to enjoy the atmosphere of the night of the Island of the Gods while being presented with traditional foods and Indonesian cultural performances.

"This is where traditional culture combines with modern culture," explained Puan.

The dinner or welcoming dinner was attended by all delegates from the parliaments of African countries, including: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Djibouti, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Tincia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Libya, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa.

According to Puan, relations between Indonesia and African countries have a long history.

"The brotherhood and solidarity of the Asian and African nation has been fostered since 1995 during the Asia Africa Conference (KAA) about 69 years ago," said the grandson of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia Sukarno.

Puan assessed that the relationship between Africa and Indonesia is not just a historical relationship. But also about how to explore opportunities for cooperation in the future.

"For this reason, we must build relationships that are mutually beneficial, respect each other, respect each other's diversity, and based on equality," said Puan.

Furthermore, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture explained that the equality in question is that there is no one party who wants to dominate this relationship. Puan said, equality means that all parties contribute and are mutually beneficial.

"It is a happiness for us to be able to celebrate with our colleagues and friends whom we respect here, so as to strengthen deeper friendship between Indonesia and Africa," he explained.

At the end of the reception at the dinner, Puan hoped that the delegates would enjoy their dish and bring a good impression from Indonesia. She also hopes that the IAPF event will run smoothly and well.

"I pray for the success of tomorrow's meeting and for our stronger parliamentary friendship," said Puan.