President Jokowi: Indonesia Supports Peacebuilding in Afghanistan

President Jokowi in a bilateral meeting with President of Afghanistan at the Agr Presidential Palace, Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday (29/1) afternoon, local time. (Photo: Humas/Anggun)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo expressed his profound condolence to the President and all people of Afghanistan for the tragedy happened in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, including attacks two days ago and on Monday morning (29/1).

“I pray that the victims swiftly recover and may God grants the bereaved families solace and strength,” President Jokowi conveyed in a joint press statement after a bilateral meeting with Afghan President at the Agr Presidential Palace, Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday (29/1) afternoon local time.

President Jokowi stated that it was an honor to pay a visit to Afghanistan after Afghan President visited Indonesia last year. The Indonesian President’s state visit to Afghanistan is the first after almost six decades.

“My visit to Afghanistan is the first bilateral state visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia after almost six decades. The last visit to Afghanistan was paid by President Sukarno in May 1961,” the President said. This visit can be interpreted as Indonesia’s strong commitment to enhance the relationship and cooperation with Afghanistan.

Indonesia, the President further said, committed to building peace and supporting the prosperity in Afghanistan. The commitment was strengthened in the bilateral meeting between the two countries convened in a warm and fraternal manner.

The President emphasized, cooperation on peacebuilding in Afghanistan is gradually in the process of concluding by both parties.

“Indonesia and Afghanistan will undertake more tasks to help the process of peace-building and reconciliation in Afghanistan.” the President said.

One of Indonesia’s supports to build peace in Afghanistan, according to the President, is the continued construction of Indonesia Islamic Centre (IIC) in Kabul. It is also planned to construct health facilities in the area this year. “Health clinic in the IIC will be built in Spring 2018 accommodated As-Salam Mosque which has been used since 2015,” the President explained.

The IIC was a symbol or monument of Indonesia and Afghanistan friendship. It is hoped that the Centre would become the centre of activities to promote peace.

Meanwhile, President Ashraf Ghani welcomed President Jokowi in Kabul, Afghanistan. “I appreciate and convey gratitude from Afghan people for the visit. President Jokowi always encourages us to build peace in Afghanistan,” President Ghani said.

Besides, President Jokowi’s visit brings blessing to the Afghan people. As he arrived, it started to snow in Kabul, which believes as brings blessing.

“Your Excellency’s arrival does not need to bring gold, but it brings rain and snow. Rain and snow are blessing for us. Snow and rain never choose where to fall, whether it is on wealth or poor people,” President Ghani stated. (BPMI Setpres/ES) (EPI/YM/Naster)