"Indonesia is also committed to preparing grant funds to be used for the interests of archipelagic countries and developing countries," President Jokowi remarked while opening the 1st High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum here on Wednesday.
In the midst of world conditions replete with competition, conflict, and declining trust, unity and cooperation between the archipelagic and island countries is essential, according to Jokowi.
Moreover, developing countries and small island countries are the ones that are most vulnerable to being affected by the climate change crisis, he pointed out.
Hence, Jokowi pressed for strengthening cooperation, so that AIS Forum member countries can face various global problems, such as sea level rise, marine resource management, and marine pollution.
"Indonesia would like to invite all countries present to continue to build unity and collaboration in the midst of world division. Let us walk and walk together," Jokowi stated in his appeal. Indonesia is hosting the 1st High-Level Meeting of the AIS Forum, which is attended by 30 countries out of 51 AIS countries and four international organizations.
At the head-of-state level, Indonesia noted the participation of President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley Simina, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao, the Premier of Niue Dalton Tagelagi, Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe Patrice Emery Trovoada, and Prime Minister of Tuvalu Kausea Natano.
Deputy PM of Fiji Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica and Deputy PM of Tonga Samiu Kuita Vaipulu were also present at the meeting. Meanwhile, delegations of other countries are led by ministers, deputy ministers, high-ranking officials, and ambassadors during the high-level meeting.
Implementation of the high-level meeting focuses on the strengthening of cooperation for tackling four global issues: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the blue economy, the handling of ocean plastic pollution, and maritime governance.
In the meantime, the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment announced a funding commitment of US$5 million for the 2022-2025 period to support the existence of the AIS Forum as a real contribution to sustainable development.
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Translator: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani, Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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