Pandjaitan's visit to Africa aims to prepare for President Joko Widodo's upcoming visit, said Jodi Mahardi, the minister's spokesperson, in Jakarta on Monday.
The coordinating minister is undertaking this trip to prepare several essential deliverables ahead of the presidential visit, he added.
“This visit (by Pandjaitan) has been planned to achieve various strategic goals,” he stated.
In addition to preparing for the presidential visit, Pandjaitan is also expected to meet with leaders and high-ranking officials of the three African countries, noted Mahardi.
“The purpose of these meetings is to enhance bilateral relations and explore further cooperation opportunities,” he stated.
He emphasized that one of the most important aspects of the ongoing trip is the participation of business delegates accompanying Pandjaitan.
These business delegates represent various industries, such as farming, palm oil, mining, and oil and gas,” he remarked.
“The purpose is to explore and expand market and investment opportunities in those African countries. We believe it will have a positive impact on the economy of Indonesia and those countries,” Mahardi remarked.
Pandjaitan had previously visited Africa in January, where he traveled to Kenya, DRC, and Zimbabwe to discuss cooperation potentials with leaders of the three countries.
During his meeting with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, he discussed strategic issues in the sustainable mining industry, the development of green and smart ports, palm oil plantations, energy transition, and other matters.
While holding a meeting with DRC Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, Pandjaitan discussed sustainable tropical forests and climate action, acceleration of renewable energies, sustainable mining industry, and infrastructure development.
During the meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, he discussed strategic issues related to sustainable mining and energy transition, healthcare cooperation, transportation infrastructure development, sustainable forestry, and the digital economy.
The Indonesian government is eager to develop South-South cooperation with various countries, including those in Africa.
The cooperation is expected to strengthen the strategic position of developing countries in ensuring sustainable utilization of natural resources and countering exploitation from advanced countries.
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Translator: Ade Irma Junida, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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