Indonesia, Ghana Discussed to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation at IAF
- Setkab.go.id
Bali, VIVA – Indonesia and Ghana agreed to enhance bilateral relations, which have existed for 65 years, at a bilateral meeting between President Joko Widodo and his Ghanaian counterpart, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday (Sept 2).
“Welcome to Indonesia, and thank you for your visit. The bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Ghana has been established for 65 years, and we need to strengthen it, especially in three main cooperation sectors," the head of state emphasized at the meeting, held on the sidelines of the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in Nusa Dua, Bali.
The president highlighted cooperation in the health sector and welcomed the collaboration between Indonesia's state-owned pharmaceutical company, Bio Farma, and Atlantic Lab Science Ghana.
Jokowi Pidato Pembukaan di Forum IAF ke-2 dan HLF MSP 2024 di Bali (Doc: Natania Longdong)
- VIVA.co.id/Natania Longdong
"I hope this cooperation can encourage local vaccine production in Ghana and support vaccination programs in other African countries," he stated.
Furthermore, he sought support from Akufo-Addo regarding the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on food and drug supervision between the supervisory authorities of the two countries.
President Widodo is upbeat that the MoU would strengthen collaboration between Indonesia and Ghana in the pharmaceutical sector.
Furthermore, he proposed the development of cooperation in oil and gas exploration.
The president then highlighted that the need for Indonesia and Ghana to explore cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including the establishment of an oil refinery in Ghana with Indonesia's involvement.
"This cooperation is expected to increase added value and meet energy needs in Ghana," President Widodo remarked.
In the third sector, he also highlighted the importance of cooperation in the development sector, adjusted in accordance with Ghana's needs.
"Indonesia is open to team up with Ghana on programs based on Ghana's needs through the Indonesia Aid mechanism, including technical support, scholarships, and vocational training," President Jokowi said.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo thanked Indonesia for the welcome extended to the delegation.
He affirmed that the relationship between both nations was historic while lauding the continuation and strengthening of bilateral relations, including cooperation carried out by several companies in the two countries.
"We have decided to increase our capacity in producing vaccines, and the assistance we have received from companies in Indonesia has been very useful," he stressed.
