Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, Fadli Zon (holding a keris) exchanges souvenirs after the meeting with Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Sergei Gennadievich Tolchenov  (left) in Nusantara III Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, (1/8/2024). Photo : Tari/Andri

PARLEMENTARIA, Jakarta – The Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Sergei Gennadievich Tolchenov, paid a courtesy call on Leaders of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation (BKSAP). The meeting, chaired by the Chairperson of BKSAP, Fadli Zon, marks Tolchenov’s initial efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia.

Tolchenov, the newly appointed Russian Ambassador replacing his predecessor Lyudmila Vorobyeva, expressed his delight at returning to Indonesia after 15 years. During the meeting, Tolchenov extended a formal invitation to the Indonesian Parliament to attend the Eurasian Women’s Forum scheduled to be held in September 2024. The forum serves as an important platform in addressing women’s issues and regional developments in Europe and Asia (Eurasia).

"The visit is mainly aimed to strengthen relations between the Indonesian and Russian parliaments and invite the Indonesian delegation to the Eurasian Women’s Forum. This is an opportunity to deepen cooperation and dialogue between the two countries,” said Fadli to the Parlementaria (1/8/2024).

Fadli Zon expressed the well-established relations between the Indonesian and Russian Parliaments, highlighting Russia’s consistent support for Indonesia’s stance in various international forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary union (IPU). As a member of the IPU Executive Committee, Fadli conveyed his gratitude for Russia’s ongoing support.

Furthermore, Fadli Zon detailed his involvement in the IPU Task Force, which addressed the Russia-Ukraine issue. His visits to Kyiv and Moscow, as part of this task force, demonstrated Indonesia’s stance on active and peace-supporting foreign policy.

The visit holds promise to open more opportunities for collaboration between Indonesia and Russia, especially in parliamentary diplomacy and global issues impacting both nations. (ssb/rdn/mcc)