JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS— Mozambique’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Belmiro Jose Malate, expressed optimism that the upcoming Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024 will establish mechanisms to strengthen ties between Indonesia and African nations. Ambassador Malate attended the Annual Session of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Friday, where he highlighted the critical need for stronger cooperation.

The Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024 is scheduled to take place in Bali. The event is expected to occur in August 2024, although exact dates can vary. This forum will serve as a significant platform for Indonesia and African nations to discuss and develop strategies for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

The IAF 2024 is a high-profile international event designed to strengthen political, economic, and diplomatic ties between Indonesia and African nations. It serves as a platform for discussions and collaborations on a range of issues, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. The forum is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in Africa, leveraging shared interests and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships.

IAF 2024 aims to bring together government officials, business leaders, and representatives from both regions to explore new opportunities, establish bilateral agreements, and ensure sustainable economic growth. The event is also focused on finding effective mechanisms for financing and implementing joint programs, with an emphasis on fostering private sector involvement in development initiatives.

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“We believe it’s essential to have mechanisms in place that can enhance collaboration between Indonesia and Africa,” said Ambassador Malate. He hopes that the forum will lead to new agreements and strategies for implementing various bilateral programs between Mozambique and Indonesia.

One of his key concerns is ensuring that IAF 2024 facilitates funding mechanisms for joint initiatives. He also emphasized the importance of involving Mozambique’s private sector in the forum, seeing it as a vital component of boosting the nation’s economy.

“Nation-building isn’t just the government’s responsibility; it requires the participation of the entire society,” Malate noted.

The ambassador confirmed that Mozambique will be sending eight delegates to the forum, led by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. However, the country’s president will not attend due to the overlap with Mozambique’s electoral campaign.

The 2024 Annual Session of the MPR carried the theme “New Nusantara, Advanced Indonesia” and included the Annual Session of the MPR, a Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD), and the Opening Session of the 2024-2025 DPR Parliamentary Year.

President Joko Widodo delivered a state of the nation address, discussing the performance of state institutions and presenting the government’s 2025 budget proposal during these sessions. (Uki Ruknuddin)