BKSAP Chair Fadli Zon Receiving a Visit from Russian Ambassador H.E. Lyudmila Georgievna in Jakarta, Monday (31/8/2020) Photo: Abu/Man

The House Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (BKSAP) intends to enhance cooperation between Indonesia and Russia, including cooperation in the parliamentary affairs, said BKSAP Chair Fadli Zon. Both countries are expected to further promote cooperation and interparliamentary diplomacy following the recent establishment of Indonesia-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group, he added.

“During our discussion, we expressed our shared intention to strengthen good relationship between our parliaments,” said Mr. Zon after receiving a visit of the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Lyudmila Georgievna in Jakarta on Monday (31/8/2020). “I can say that Russia has been a good partner for Indonesia and both nations have a relationship that dates back to many years ago.”

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Russia, added the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) politician, calling it a great opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation in the future as both countries join common global parliamentary forums such as Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), and ASEAN-Inter Parliamentary Organization (AIPA).

Mr. Zon stated that the House welcomes further discussion to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. “In the spirit of promoting parliamentary cooperation and diplomacy, the Indonesian House has established the Indonesia-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group (GKSB). I hope the friendship group can facilitate further discussions on bilateral and global issues that we share as a global community,” he asserted.

During the meeting, Mr. Zon and Ambassador Georgievna also discussed issues of common interest between the two countries, including COVID-19 mitigation. Mr. Zon made a statement that the COVID-19 pandemic presents its unique challenges in different countries. Therefore, multilateral cooperation is needed to overcome the impacts of the pandemic. Russia has offered to develop cooperation with the Indonesian government in this regard to produce COVID-19 Vaccine, Sputnik V.

Through the prospective cooperation, the Russian Direct Investment Fund will not be only committed to distributing the vaccince, but also to produce some of its components in Indonesia. The Indonesian government is expected to respond positively to the initiatives, for previously the heads of both states expressed their intention to collaborate in curbing coronavirus transmission in a teleconference a few months ago.

Other issues being discussed in the meeting was related to cooperation in economic, trade, military, and socio-cultural affairs. In the meeting, Mr. Zon also informed that the House will host “The Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries Parliaments” (MSEAP) alongside the Russian and South Korean parliaments as co-hosts. The event was previously scheduled for November this year but, due to COVID-19, has been rescheduled to November next year. (ann/sf)