Until today, 17 ambassadors from friendly countries will certainly attend HPN 2022,
Kendari, SE Sulawesi (ANTARA) - As many as 17 ambassadors from friendly countries have confirmed a plan to attend the National Press Day (HPN) 2022 scheduled for 9, 2022 in Kendari, capital of Southeast Sulawesi Province.

"Until today, 17 ambassadors from friendly countries will certainly attend HPN 2022,"Chief of the Foreign Guests Section of HPN 2022 Organizing Committee Bob Iskandar said in a press statement released on Saturday.

The ambassadors will take part in an investment forum, mass media convention and peak commemoration of HPN 2022.

The friendly countries include Russia, Morocco, Taiwan, Malaysia, Poland, Seychelles, Pakistan, Iran, Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Singapore, European Union, Romania, and Azerbaijan.

"We are still waiting (for confirmation from ambassadors from) Austria, Armenia, Bangladesh and India. They have difficulties booking flight to Kendari on February 7. As a matter of fact, we have scheduled the events for ambassadors on February 7-9, 2022. Two nights,"he said.

The only airline that serves Jakarta-Kendari flight route is Batik Air . "There is also flight via Makassar, but its frequency is limited,"he said.

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Bob who is also the permanent secretary of the ASEAN Journalists Confederation said some ambassadors cannot attend HPN 2022 due to the agenda of their countries that coincides with the event.

"We have invited Thailand but its ambassador has to attend an event in his country. We also have invited Vietnam but its ambassador has to stay in the country due to Chinese Lunar Year,"he said.

He said the event's organizing committee has also not received a confirmation from the Myanmar ambassador who usually attends HPN every year until the last minute.

He said none of Middle Eastern countries including Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have confirmed a plan to attend the event.

Bob expressed the hope the presence of the foreign ambassadors in the event will have a significant impact on economic development and trade in Southeast Sulawesi. The investment forum held on the sidelines of HPN 2022 will offer the provincial government a chance to meet with prospective domestic and foreign investors.

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Translator: Abdul Azis S, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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