Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi underscored the critical importance of global parliamentary cooperation in navigating the complex challenges and dynamics of our interconnected world.

"Parliaments are not merely legislative bodies but also serve as bridges between people's aspirations and public policies," she stated at the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) 2024 in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Sunday.

Amidst the escalating geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, rising climate change impacts, and global challenges, the Minister highlighted the imperative of inter-parliamentary collaboration.

She noted that such collaboration enables parliaments to share knowledge and best practices as well as develop innovative solutions to address shared concerns.

Commending the IAPF 2024 as a testament to the enduring friendship between Indonesia and African countries, the Minister reaffirmed Indonesia's unwavering commitment to strengthening these ties through practical cooperation that benefits both parties.

The minister stated that Indonesia will continue to be committed to bolstering the ties by materializing the Bandung Spirit into practical cooperation that benefits the people of Indonesia and African countries.

"Despite our geographical distance, our shared values of solidarity and equality, rooted in the Bandung Spirit of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, continue to unite us," she remarked.

Regarding parliamentary efforts to address global challenges, the minister outlined three key areas.

The first is promoting peace and stability.

Emphasizing peace as a foundational condition for development, she noted the vital role of parliaments in mobilizing international public pressure, supporting humanitarian assistance, and advocating for a two-state solution in Palestine.

Moreover, parliaments have a role in broadening cooperation in sectors with significant potential, such as health, food security, trade, investment, energy, and mining.

Lastly, she emphasized the importance of advocating for the Global South to unite in advancing a development agenda that reflects their unique needs and aspirations,
while also fostering inclusive North-South collaborations.

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Translator: Kuntum Khaira, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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