CONFLICTS HAMPER ASIAN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT: JOKOWI

Jakarta, 3 Rajab 1436/22 April 2015 (MINA) – The President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said internal and external conflicts which happened in Asia-Africa countries hampering the development, so it must be eliminated.

“The number of conflicts in the countries of Asia and Africa hamper economic development. “Therefore we should be able to eliminate the conflict in order to improve the welfare and security of the people,” said Jokowi in an opening speech the Heads of State Meeting Asia-Africa Conference Commemoration in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The President also emphasized that Indonesian government will be a maritime bridge that connects two continents (Asia and Africa) so that the acceleration of economic development will soon be felt by people.

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“It is the time for us to answer the challenge, that Indonesia as the initiator of the Asia-Africa Conference must be a maritime bridge that connects two continents, Asia and Africa,” added Jokowi.

Jokowi also aseerted that countries in Asia and Africa should be able to stand in line with other nations in world. “We should all be able to sit and stand in line with other nations in the world. We (Asian-African Nations) has abundant potential of natural and human resources, “he said.

Indonesia has inspired countries in Asia and Africa to get their independence and now continue to develop economic field in order to increase prosperity for its people.

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“The spirit of this KAA is to continue the idea of the founding fathers who 60 years ago has held the conference,” he added.

Jokowi also highlighted that problems that occured between the two countries should not resolved with violence and murder. It would be very detrimental to both countries. It should be solved by by means of kinship, ” he added.

Today, Asian-African Conference Commemoration (AACC) meeting is runing Asian- African Summit agenda. During Wednesday meeting, all delegations agreed on three documents, namely the Bandung Message, New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) and the Palestine Declaration support for independence.

The conference will be run from April 19 – 23 in Jakarta and on April 24 in Bandung. The Asian- African Summit is scheduled to take place on April 22-23.(L/P008/R03)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)