Indonesian president to bring message from Ukraine to Russia’s Putin

“In this regard, I offer to carry a message from President Zelenskyy for President Putin, who I will visit soon,” the Indonesian President said.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Wednesday (June 29) held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Maryinsky Palace, Kyiv.

During the meeting, President Jokowi said that his visit to Ukraine was a manifestation of the Indonesian people’s concern for Ukraine.

“I conveyed to President Zelenskyy that I made this visit as a manifestation of Indonesia’s concern for the situation in Ukraine,” said the head of state when delivering a joint press statement with President Zelenskyy after the meeting, according to a press statement from the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat received here on Thursday.

To Zelenskyy President Jokowi emphasized Indonesia’s position which respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country.

Although it is still very difficult to achieve, the head of state still conveys the importance of peace and emphasizes that the spirit of achieving peace must not fade away.

“In this regard, I offer to carry a message from President Zelenskyy for President Putin, who I will visit soon,” Jokowi said.

The Indonesian President also expressed his concern for the impact of war on humanity.

With existing capabilities, the people and the Government of Indonesia are trying to provide assistance including medicine and a commitment to rebuilding hospitals around Kyiv.

In addition, President Jokowi also conveyed the importance of Ukraine for the world food supply chain. According to him, all efforts must be made so that Ukraine can resume exporting foods.

“It is important for all parties to provide security guarantees for the smooth export of Ukrainian foods, including through sea ports. I support the efforts of the United Nations in this regard,” he stressed.

On this occasion, President Jokowi also extended a direct invitation to President Zelenskyy to participate in the G20 Summit to be held in November 2022 in Bali, while affirming Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Ukraine.

“This year is 30 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Ukraine. I convey Indonesia’s commitment to continuing to strengthen cooperation,” the head of state said.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for President Joko Widodo’s presence in Ukraine, which is the first visit by a leader of an Asian country to Ukraine since the Russian military operation which began on February 24.

“I also invite Indonesian businesses to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

After their visit to Ukraine, President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana and their limited entourage returned to Przemysl Glowny Station in Przemysl City, Poland by extraordinary train via Kyiv Central Station at exactly 7 p.m. local time.

From Przemysl Glowny, the head of state will go directly to Rzeszow-Jasionka International Airport, Poland, to continue his visit to Moscow, Russia.

Reporting by Indonesia Window