RI and South Africa to Co-Chair AAC Ministerial Meeting

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - A number of protocol roads in Jakarta have been closed today as delegations from various countries were headed towards the Jakarta Convention Centre to attend the 60th Asia-Africa Conference Commemoration.

The event which has started since Sunday 19 April 2015, may have caused a relatively concerning traffic but the diversion made for vehicles passing through the perimeter would only last for a couple of days, in accordance to the time of the procession.

Indonesian Minister of foreign Relations, Retno LP Marsudi has met with a number of foreign delegations to discuss matters concerning the relationship between Indonesia and those countries.

This Monday afternoon (20/4/2015), Minister Retno, together with the South African Minister of International Relations (IR) and Cooperation, Maite Emily Nkoana Mashabane signed a memorandum of understanding which was followed by exchanges of the signed documents.

Minister Retno explains how the relationship between the two nations have been established since 10 years ago, with the formation of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership.

With both countries co-chairing the event, their roles are hitherto viewed as vital for the progression of the current Asia- Africa Conference.

"Africa is more than a partner to Indonesia. In the context of Asia-Africa, we have established the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership 10 years ago. It has become the port of our implementation mechanism for cooperation of Asia and Africa," Minister Retno informed during a press conference at The Jakarta Convention Centre, Jakarta, Monday (20/4/2015).

"This year together with the Prime Minister of South Africa, Indonesia is co-Chairing the Ministerial Meeting for Asia-Africa Conference," Retno added.

South African Minister, Maite seemed delighted to have the opportunity to visit to Indonesia where she remarks on the period of time where countries gathered in Bandung to discuss the collective strengthening of Asian and African countries despite the growing threat coming from the Soviet Bloc and the U.S Bloc back in the second half of 20th century.

"Flying down here was a bit nostalgic for me personally. As we are here to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference to strengthen our cooperation, our minds go back to the sacrifices made by our forbearers," she explained.

The 60th Asia-Africa Conference Commemoration is currently held in Jakarta. and will reach its peak in Bandung on 24 April 2015.

The events primary agenda covering issues such as 'Asia-Africa Business Summit' and 'Asia- Africa Carnival'.

The event is themed with mounting need for furtherance of mutually-beneficial cooperation between Asia and Africa countries as well as the urgency to improve citizens of Asia and African nations welfare.

Peace is also a subject of great significance that will be discussed in detailed.  (Akp/Tnt)