Liberian President Joseph Boakai has departed the country in a bid to join numerous African leaders in addressing cross-sectional issues at an international summit hosted by Indonesia.
The international summit, which is the second of its kind, is named the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), and it is facilitating African Heads of State in Bali, Indonesia, to reach impactful, meaningful decisions that benefit both the host and invited countries.
President Boakai and his delegation’s participation in this Asian summit, with a commitment to Africa amounting to US$3.5 billion, symbolizes potential economic returns for Liberia.
The Liberian Leader, his wife, Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai, and other Liberian delegation members have landed in Bali, Indonesia, marking the start of their participation in the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF).
The Liberian delegation, headed by the President, is focused on making a significant case at the ongoing 2nd IAF in Bali, which began on Sunday, September 1, and is expected to conclude on September 3, 2024.
The three-day event is anticipated to produce deliverables that can be implemented and have an immediate impact, with values expected to reach up to US$3.5 billion.
The IAF serves as an international platform for Indonesia and African countries to strengthen bilateral relations, formulate strategic steps, and collaborate in facing increasingly complex global challenges.
President Boakai is poised to address the Joint Leaders Session of the forum, sharing the stage with other leaders, including H.E. Paul Kagame of Rwanda, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, H.E. Russell Mmiso Dlamini, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, H.E. Xanana Gusmao, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, among several other African leaders.
President Boakai is also scheduled to meet with his Indonesian counterpart, H.E. Outgoing President Joko Widodo, as well as the incoming President, H.E. Prabowo Subianto.
The 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum aims to strengthen economic cooperation between Indonesia and African nations, building on the success of the inaugural event in 2018.
The event is being held under the theme: “Bandung Spirit for Africa’s Agenda 2063.” The forum will emphasize shared values and principles to establish enduring and inclusive relations between Indonesia and Africa.
The gathering is not merely a platform for dialogue; it endeavors to make tangible contributions to both societies. By bringing together high-level government officials, business leaders, academicians, and other stakeholders from Indonesia and Africa, the forum seeks to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and lay the groundwork for substantial economic cooperation.
The President’s official delegation also includes Honorable Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs; Honorable Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio; Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture; and Honorable Nathanial Barway, Representative for District #1, Grand Kru County.
The 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum has garnered widespread participation from 47 African countries and is anticipated to result in meaningful collaboration and agreements between Indonesia and the African nations in attendance.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country is committed to building solid bridges of cooperation with African countries.
The 2nd IAF is expected to generate new agreements and ideas through a spirit of togetherness, to shape a better future for generations to come.
