Indonesia’s President to Visit Ukraine, Russia Next Week

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin end of June during his overseas trip, Indonesia’s top diplomat said.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on Wednesday, June 22, that the visit to both countries would be part of a trip that Jokowi would undertake in a very complex situation, State News Antara quoted Retno during a press briefing.

The president will visit Ukraine and Russia after attending the G7 Summit in Germany as a partner country.

“Despite the difficult situation and complex problem, as G20 president and a member of the champion group of the Global Crisis Response Group formed by the UN Secretary-General, President Jokowi has opted to make contributions rather than remain silent,” she added.

Also read: Jokowi, Germany’s Steinmeier Discuss Economic Ties, Impacts of Russia-Ukraine War

Jokowi will be the first Asian leader to visit the two countries since Russia launched what is being described as a special operation in Ukraine, she said.

The visit reflects the President’s concern over humanitarian issues as well as efforts to contribute to addressing the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on various countries, she said.

“(We will) try to contribute to handling the food crisis due to the war that has affected all countries, particularly developing countries and low-income countries,” she added.

The visit is also part of efforts to encourage the spirit of peace, she said.
After Ukraine and Russia, he is scheduled to fly to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, to discuss economic cooperation.

Right step

“The plan is the right step because Indonesia can show its increasingly clearer contribution (to a solution) to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As we all know, the impact of (the conflict) has increasingly become more complex,” member of the House of Representatives Commission I overseing defense, foreign affairs, information, and intelligence Christina Aryani said on Thursday.

Also read: Indonesia’s Defense Minister, US Indo-Pacific Commander Discuss South China Sea Issue, Russia-Ukraine War

Aryani said it demonstrates that Indonesia plays an increasingly concrete role in pursuing global peace. Besides, Indonesia has the pluck to take a stand on the conflict rather than remain silent.

The situation in the Russia-Ukraine war is so complex that many countries hesitate to take a step. However, Indonesia dares to meet the Russian and Ukrainian presidents on humanitarian grounds.

“President Jokowi is the first Asian leader to visit Russia and Ukraine (since the launch of the Russian military operation in Ukraine), so it is reasonable for us to appreciate and support (the planned visit),” she said.

Source: Antara