Ukraine Visit Shows Indonesia’s Concern for Ukraine, President Jokowi Says

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Wednesday (06/29) held a bilateral meeting at Mariinsky Palace in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

While delivering a joint press statement, President Jokowi told President Zelenskyy that his visit is a manifestation of the Indonesian people’s concern for the current situation in Ukraine.

The President also underscored Indonesia’s position regarding the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, while stressing the importance of seeking peace and saying that the spirit of peace must never fade away.

“To that end, I’d like to carry a message from President Zelenskyy to President Putin, whom I will meet soon,” he added.

In addition, President Jokowi also expressed concern over the impact of the war on humanity by handing over assistance including medicines and asserting commitment to supporting the reconstruction of hospitals around Kyiv.

Moreover, the President further said that it is important for all parties to ensure security for Ukraine’s food export considering the country’s production is vital for the global supply chain.

On that occasion, President Jokowi extended a direct invitation to President Zelenskyy to attend the G20 Summit to be held in November 2022 in Bali.

For the record, this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Ukraine.

To that end, President Jokowi said Indonesia will continue strengthening better bilateral partnership with Ukraine.

In the meantime, President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to President Jokowi for his visit to Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy further said that President Jokowi’s visit is the first visit made by a leader of an Asian country to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia broke out, while also calling on Indonesian businesses to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (AP/HD)