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Trust Freddy, Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across several sectors.
This came out at the Harare celebrations of the 79th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence and Heroes’ Day on Thursday last week.
The event was attended by Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, who represented Foreign Affairs Minister Professor Amon Murwira, other senior Government officials and diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ambassador Chimbindi, Prof Murwira congratulated the newly elected Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to continue working with the South East Asian country.
“We take this opportunity to congratulate Indonesia for the successful elections held recently and the smooth transition of authority from former President Joko Widodo’s administration, to the incumbent ‘Red and White’ administration of His Excellency President Prabowo Subianto,” he said.
“. . . on this occasion, we wish to affirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening and broadening the trade and economic cooperation between our two countries with a view to improving the lives and livelihoods of our peoples.”
Prof Murwira said it was imperative that the existing bilateral trade in agricultural products be supported by a legal framework.
“Zimbabwe’s agricultural products have found a niche in the Indonesian market, albeit through third parties. It is, therefore, imperative that we finalise the memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of agriculture, as well as conclude a preferential trade agreement to facilitate direct trade and optimise the mutual benefits.
“We are pleased to note that the bilateral relationship between Zimbabwe and Indonesia has strengthened and deepened in various sectors of cooperation.”
Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dewa Juniarta Sastrawan said bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Indonesia have strengthened and deepened in different sectors of cooperation.
He took the same opportunity to invite Zimbabwe to participate in the 70th Anniversary Commemorative Session of the Asia-Africa Conference in Indonesia next year.
“This historic event is a fantastic opportunity for both nations to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, fostering economic growth and development. This collaboration can create more room for Indonesia to contribute to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, aiming to achieve upper-middle-income country status by 2030,” he said.
Ambassador Sastrawan commended President Mnangagwa for honouring Indonesia’s invitation to participate in the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum, held in Bali last month, where he was represented by Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
“We were pleased to witness that during the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali, there was the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Zimbabwe and Indonesia in health and pharmaceuticals during this visit.”
Zimbabwe and Indonesia have enhanced bilateral cooperation, which gained momentum when Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga visited Indonesia in 2022.
Online Reporter