Indonesian peace mission on Russia-Ukraine conflict

JAKARTA, Jul 3, 2022 - ( JCN Newswire ) - President Joko Widodo has accomplished his visits to Ukraine and Russia on Thursday evening (June 30) to invite both countries to build dialogue, stop the war, and build peace.

President started his mission by visiting Kiev, Ukraine. At the Maryinsky Palace, Kyiv, Jokowi was greeted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday afternoon (June 29).

For Ukraine, that day was a historic day, as President Jokowi's visit was the first one to be made by an Asian leader since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Jokowi, during a joint press statement with Zelenskyy, conveyed several important points from his visit to Ukraine.

"I conveyed to President Zelenskyy that I made this visit as a manifestation of Indonesia's concern for the situation in Ukraine," he remarked.

He reiterated the invitation to Zelenskyy to attend the G20 Summit in November 2022 in Bali.

Jokowi also emphasized Indonesia's principled position regarding the importance of respect for sovereignty and territory.

"Although it is still very difficult to achieve, I still convey the importance of a peaceful settlement, and the spirit of peace must never fade," he affirmed.

Indonesia will strive to contribute through assistance, including medicines, and remain committed to reconstructing one of the hospitals around Kiev.

To this end, President Jokowi offered to carry a message from President Zelenskyy to President Putin.

On the other hand, President Zelenskyy praised Jokowi's visit because Indonesia hosts the G20 Presidency this year and is the strongest country in ASEAN.

Zelenskyy expressed optimism that it would strengthen the effort to end the war.

After visiting Kiev, President Jokowi also made a visit to Moscow, Russia and meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the visit, Jokowi emphasized the issue of peace and humanity has always been a priority for Indonesia.

"The Indonesian Constitution mandates Indonesia to always try to contribute to the creation of world peace. In this context, I made visits to Kiev and Moscow," he stated.

He also emphasized that food and fertilizers were humanitarian issues and were of interest to the world community. Thus hundreds of millions of people affected by disruptions, especially in developing countries.

Hence, Jokowi lauded Putin's guarantee for the security of food and fertilizer supplies.

Jokowi stressed that Indonesia has no interest apart from helping resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine.

"I invite all world leaders to work together to revive the spirit of multilateralism, the spirit of peace, and the spirit of cooperation," President Jokowi stated.

Meanwhile, Putin noted that Indonesia is one of their key partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Russian-Indonesian relations are constructive and mutually beneficial, developing steadily on the basis of long-standing good traditions of friendship and mutual assistance," he said.

During the joint press conference, President Jokowi reiterates the importance of the spirit of peace.

With President Jokowi's visit to Ukraine and Russia for a peaceful mission, hopes are pinned high on the war ending soon and the food crisis being mitigated quickly.

Written by: Katriana, Editor: Rahmad Nasution (c) ANTARA 2022