President Jokowi Attends Cultural Festival in Mozambique

President Jokowi attends an Opening Ceremony of National Festival of Culture in Mozambique at Red Bulls Association Field, Capital City of Maputo, Wednesday (08/23). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

A friendship between Indonesia and Mozambique was evident when President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo attended the opening ceremony of the 2023 National Festival of Culture held at the Black Bulls Association Field, capital city of Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, Wednesday (08/23), at the invitation of President of the Republic of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi.

Arrived at around 08.45 local time or 13.45 western Indonesian time, the President, who wore long sleeve Batik, was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi. Both leaders then walked together to the stage. On that occasion, President Jokowi and President Nyusi were wearing traditional African headbands.

Upon arrival on the stage, the national anthems of both countries were sung, then the cultural parade began. Representatives from Mozambique’s 11 provinces dressed in their traditional attire took turns passing in front of the two leaders.

After the parade, the event continued with a colossal dance performance followed by dance performances from each province. Both leaders seemed to enjoy every performance of the art event which is routinely held every year in Mozambique.

For the record, the festival is an annual art event organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Government of Mozambique, participated by around 1,500 artists from all over Mozambique. The performers showcase various arts such as handicrafts, music, film, dance, photography, gastronomy, and so on.

Afterwards, President Jokowi was scheduled to visit the Office of the President of the Republic of Mozambique at Maputo, Republic of Mozambique, to hold a bilateral meeting between the two countries, discussing a number of bilateral cooperation in several fields.

Also accompanying the President were Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhur Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Agung, and Indonesian Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique and Malawi Herry Sudrajat.

Also present from the Mozambican Government were Minister of Culture and Tourism Eldevina Maturula, Secretary of State Judite Musaculla, and Governor of Maputo Province Julio Parruque. (BPMI Of Presidential Secretariat/UN)(RKW/RI)