"This will be the first inter-parliamentary forum between Indonesia and African countries since the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference and the 1961 Non-Aligned Movement Conference," said the chairperson of BKSAP, Fadli Zon, in a statement on Friday.
The representatives from the 22 countries will include nine parliamentary chairpersons, who will lead their respective delegations at the IAPF.
The forum, which is themed "Forging Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Partnership for Development," will be held as part of the Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali from September 1 to 3.
Zon stated that the forum will mark an important achievement for Indonesia's foreign policy, especially in terms of Global South cooperation.
"The rise of countries in the Southern Hemisphere should be strengthened by cooperation mechanisms, including inter-parliamentary collaboration between Indonesia and Africa," he said.
With its theme, the first IAPF will not only serve as a stepping stone to enhance collaboration between Indonesian and African parliamentarians, but it is also expected to produce new commitments on a comprehensive plan to encourage long-term development cooperation between the two parties, Zon said.
"At the same time, it will reaffirm the mutual commitment to strengthening economic, political, and social connectivity between Indonesia and African countries," he added.
He pointed out that Indonesia and Africa have significant economic potential. If they work together to tap this potential, they can achieve equitable development for their citizens.
The potential sectors for cooperation between the two parties include the economy, health, agriculture, energy, communications, and technology.
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Translator: Putu Indah S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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