Indonesia and South Africa Share a Very Strong Historical Bond of Friendship

The President of South Africa Jacob Zuma said that South Africa and Indonesia share a very strong historical bond of

President Jokowi and President Jacob Zuma deliver a joint press statement after a bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (8/3) (Photo: PR/Jay)

friendship since the 1600s when the first people of Indonesian descentarrived in South Africa.

This relations is getting stronger in several decades, proved by the important role of Indonesia in supporting South Africa’s struggle to reach its freedom and justice.

Regarding the meeting with President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, President Jacob Zuma said that both leaders have had a nice discussion and he is really happy about it. “We have agreed to strengthen cooperation in business, trade and investment, agriculture, and defence sectors, and to work towards removing trade barriers,” President Jacob Zuma said in a joint press conference, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/3).

According to President Zuma, the Action Plan 2017-2021, that was signed by both countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs will act as a guide to drive future bilateral cooperation.

“We have agreed to accelerate the conlusion of agreements that are still under discussions by our two countries,” President Zuma said while adding he and President Jokowi have also agreed to realise the aspirations of IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) member states which met this week here in Jakarta.

President Zuma congratulated President Jokowi for excellent arrangements for IORA Summit and his capable leadership of the Association and the Summit. “We have also updated each other on developments in our respective region and explored areas of possible cooperation,” he said.

The President added that he and President Jokowi have also agreed to continue discussions on multilateral issues that become their mutual concern.“We agreed to consult and cooperate in the United Nations (UN) and other global forums that we both belong to,” President Zuma said and added that it will ensure that both leaders continue to work towards a more democratic and equitable global governance system.

On that occasion, President Jacob Zuma also invited President Jokowi to visit South Africa, which time will be arranged by both Ministers of Foreign Affairs,to take the partnership to the next level.

(DNA/JAY/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)