Inp.polri.go.id - Badung.  The Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024 has achieved a significant milestone, with business agreements reaching $ 3.5 billion (around Rp 54.38 trillion), marking a substantial increase from the $586.6 million recorded in 2018 or representing a growth of around 600%.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said on Monday (3/9/2024) that such a remarkable rise in agreements underscores expanding economic cooperation opportunities between Indonesia and Africa. 

She emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring these agreements yield tangible benefits for both nations, as reported by antaranews.com.

The forum also saw bilateral discussions leading to planned state visits and work trips in the coming year. Minister Retno signed a MoU with Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs to waive visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders, aimed at enhancing mutual visits.

IAF 2024 is a crucial platform for strengthening partnerships with Africa, a continent with robust economic growth, a youthful population, and rich natural resources. Indonesia is keen to collaborate further, particularly in food, energy, health, and minerals.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)