Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The Foreign Affairs Ministry has entrusted Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi Province, to host the 2019 Diplomacy Festival on Feb 22 and 23.

"Makassar is not only a large and potential city but also one with adequate experiences in the context of communication with the outside world," Rachmat Budiman, the Inspector General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, stated here on Monday.

Makassar is also keen in establishing international relations as it has signed cooperation agreements with 17 countries, he noted.

The ministry invites the younger generation, particularly university students, to participate in the festival, which will also be enlivened with various training courses on diplomacy.

The festival will also promote the government`s achievements in diplomacy over the last four years, he added.

Indonesia is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and has been active in promoting world peace, including helping address the Rohingya and Palestinian problems.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi will deliver a general lecture at the University of Hasanuddin in Makassar on Feb 23, 2019.

The Diplomacy Festival (DiploFest) will be organized in cooperation with state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI).

Besides, the DiploFest is a materialization of President Joko Widodo`s Nawacita (Nine Priority Agenda), particularly concerning a vision on down-to-earth diplomacy.

Reporting by M Darwin Fatir, Fardah Assegaf
Editing by Suharto

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
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