President Prabowo Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthen Indonesia-Fiji Cooperation

President Prabowo holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday, (04/24). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto expressed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Republic of Fiji.

President Prabowo highlighted the well-established relations between Indonesia and Fiji, especially after establishing diplomatic relations. He also stressed the importance of solidarity among Pacific nations.

“As nations in the Pacific region, we share common interests and face similar challenges, such as climate issues, rising sea levels, and international geopolitical dynamics,” the President said during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta on Thursday (04/24).

President Prabowo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to the principles of sovereignty, peace, and international cooperation. Indonesia remains steadfast in its non-alignment policy and believes in collaboration, particularly in economics and trade, he added.

“We believe the world is increasingly interconnected. What happens in one part of the world impacts the rest. Therefore, it is necessary for us to collaborate to maintain harmonious relations,” the President said.

President Prabowo also conveyed the wish to bolster economic cooperation with Fiji. This aligns with Indonesia’s current economic transformation agenda.

“The Indonesian Government is implementing an extensive economic transformation program. One of them is strengthening the agricultural sector for food self-sufficiency,” he added.

The President also underlined the significant progress Indonesia has made in developing superior crop varieties, including soybeans, wheat, and rice. He also provided opportunities for the younger generation of Fiji to learn from Indonesia in tropical agriculture.

“Now, we have the technology and good practices in turning wetlands into productive farmland. This is an area that could benefit young Fijians if they wish to come to Indonesia to learn,” he stated.

The President revealed that Fiji is Indonesia’s fourth-largest trading partner in the Oceania region. On that note, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnership with Fiji.

“We highly value your leadership in the Pacific Islands Forum and deeply appreciate your support for Indonesia’s participation in the forum,” he remarked.  (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/MUR)