Bali (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that the value of cooperation between Indonesia and African countries achieved at the Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali will reach a substantial US$3.5 billion (approximately Rp53.9 trillion).



This represents a significant increase from the US$586.56 million (approximately Rp9.04 trillion) recorded at the first IAF, held in 2018.



"In terms of value, we anticipate this forum to yield IAF business agreements of at least US$3.5 billion," stated the Director General of Asia, Pacific, and Africa of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Kadir Jailani, during a press conference at the 2nd IAF series in Badung, Bali, Sunday.



Jailani emphasized that the increase in the number of cooperation commitments is a clear indication of the strong trust between Indonesia and African countries.



Key achievements of IAF II include the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic cooperation agreements, such as the development of geothermal energy between PT PLN and TANESCO Tanzania.



There was also a Master Agreement for health technology transfer cooperation between Biofarma and Atlantic Lifescience Ghana and a Letter of Intent between PT Dirgantara Indonesia and AD Trade, facilitating the purchase and maintenance of aircraft by Congo and Senegal.



Adhering to the theme of "Bandung Spirit for Africa's Agenda 2063", Indonesia aims to establish the Bandung Spirit, adopted from the 1955 Asia Africa Conference, as a cornerstone for ongoing cooperation between Indonesia and African countries through the forum.



Priority areas for cooperation include economic transformation, energy, mining, food security, health, and development.



The 2nd IAF will be held concurrently with the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLM MSP) from September 1-3, 2024. IAF II, a continuation of IAF I held in 2018, will be officially opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo.



The 2nd IAF will not only bring together over 1,400 participants, including heads of state, ministers, entrepreneurs, and academics, but will also serve as a platform for fostering meaningful partnerships in four key sectors of cooperation:energy, food security, health, and minerals.

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Translator: Katriana, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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