Story by Oleen Ndori
VICE President Kembo Mohadi has rallied Indonesia and African states to embrace the values of the Bandung Declaration and spur South-South cooperation for development.
As Indonesia and African economies meet in Bali for the High Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), host President Joko Widodo lauded concrete partnerships between Indonesia and Africa which have grown six-fold from the first IAF in 2018.
“It is very much regrettable that at a moment like this, international solidarity is actually weakening, the spirit of multilateralism is increasingly sidelined, and fragmentation continues to intensify, and in the end, developing countries are the most affected, millions of people in developing countries are the ones experiencing the most hardships,” he said.
“Meanwhile, there are only six years left until 2030 and only 17% of SDGs have been achieved. Therefore, we need a new direction and a new vision, we need a new strategy, and we need new tactical steps to achieve fairer and more inclusive development for developing countries.
“Indonesia is ready to partner with all parties, especially with the African region as the key to the global development agenda. Outcomes of the Indonesia-Africa partnership have so far been concrete resulting in a rapid increase in trade volume and various trade agreements. This year’s Indonesia- Africa Forum has recorded business deals reaching $3.5 billion, almost six-fold from the first IAF in 2018.”
Vice President Mohadi who is leading the Zimbabwean delegation stressed the importance of revitalising the Bandung spirit for the success of South-to-South cooperation.
“I would like to join other delegates in acknowledging the theme of the Indonesia-Africa Forum II, and I quote, Bandung spirit for Africa Agenda 2063, end quote, is very inspiring and relevant. It resonates with our aspiration to achieve development and prosperity for our nations and people, working together as the global South to shape development paths that suit us, and leaving no one and no place behind.
“There is an opportunity to reflect on the timeless values of the historic Bandung spirit, and its profound relevance in guiding African countries and nations in cooperation with Indonesia towards the realization of Africa’s Agenda 2063.
“We recall that the Bandung spirit that was born out of the Asia-Africa Conference of 1955 symbolizes the principle of solidarity, unity, and collective self-reliance. It was and remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of dialogue and cooperation in the face of challenges and adversity.”
The Vice President who is representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, also met President Widodo on the sidelines of the forum.
The two deliberated on Harare-Jakarta ties, with the Indonesian President citing the need to strengthen cooperation in trade, health and mining sectors.
Indonesia and Zimbabwe have a responsibility to continue to promote the interests of the Nordic countries to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development. Your Excellency, I would like to highlight the issues today. First, related to economic cooperation, we need a preferential trade agreement to strengthen our trade sector
“Furthermore, Indonesia hopes the investment protection agreement can enter into force as soon as possible, and I also seek your support regarding Indonesia’s participation in the Zimbabwean government’s project on the procurement of medicine. Second, on mining cooperation, at the moment Indonesia is exploring lithium mining operations in Zimbabwe, and I will assign the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to accelerate the realization of the MOU,” President Widodosaid.
Vice President Mohadi further expressed Zimbabwe’s readiness to engage Indonesia.
“We are looking at areas that we lack, especially in Zimbabwe and areas where we can then try to have synergies with Indonesia in terms of production of items or in terms of mining itself because they are very good at benefitting there.
“We would also want them to assist us that when we produce whatever we produce, be it agricultural products or mining products, we become efficient other than selling them raw goods. They are mostly interested in mining, and they would want to partner with us in mining so that we do it together.”
He went on to tour an exhibition taking place on the sidelines of the forum where the local trade promotion body, ZimTrade, is taking part.
“What impressed me most was the Zimtrade. Their seed oil also and we are looking into whether they can send their oil to Zimbabwe. Their defence industry also impressed me and I would want to connect to them with our defence industry. I think we can learn a lot in terms of defence issues.
It was also an opportunity for Vice President Mohadi to highlight Zimbabwe’s significant progress in boosting health infrastructure, manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, innovation in new medical products and creation of digital platforms to facilitate access to health facilities in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
