"We understand that G20 plays a role as a catalyst in global economic recovery, and speaking of the global economic recovery, we have two major events that affected economic recovery (this year), (specifically) the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine," the president stated at the Bogor Palace, West Java, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel on Friday.
The president noted that this year's G20 Summit, attended by heads of states and governments of G20 member states, had been scheduled for October 30-31, 2022.
"In this context, during our conversation over the phone, I invited President Zelenskyy to attend the G20 Summit," he remarked.
The phone call with the Ukrainian president was made on Wednesday (Apr 27) at 3 p.m. local time (UTC +7), he noted.
"I have received the update on the current situation in Ukraine through the call," the president noted.
During the call, the president expressed Indonesia's readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. He also clarified that according to Indonesia's constitution and foreign policy basis, the country could not send any armaments.
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"I also expressed hope that the war would end soon and a peaceful solution could be achieved by diplomatic negotiations," Jokowi stressed.
The president noted that despite Ukraine not being a G20 member state, preceding holders of the G20 presidency that invited non-member states to previous G20 summits had set a precedent for Indonesia to invite the country.
G20 condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine, currently on its ninth week, which creates geopolitical tension, threatens the global economy, and causes humanitarian crises, he stressed.
Despite some G20 member states having called to bar Russia and President Vladimir Putin from visiting this year's G20 Summit, Jokowi said that Indonesia rejects those calls, as it is too early to decide on the matter.
Related news: Indonesia has strong economic prospects amid Russia-Ukraine war: BI
Translator: Desca Lidya N, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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