VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed his support for an initiative of the United Nations (UN) to ensure resumption of Ukraine's food exports amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Jokowi met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Maryinsky Palace, Kyiv, Wednesday, and said that Ukraine played an important role in the world's food supply chain.

"It is important for all parties to provide security guarantees for Ukrainian food exports, including through sea ports. I support the United Nations' efforts in this regard," the president noted in a press statement on Wednesday.

President Jokowi considered the importance of maximum efforts, so that Ukraine could resume exporting food.

A similar statement was earlier made by President Jokowi while attending the G7 Summit for Partner Countries held in Elmau, Germany, on Monday.

At that time, Jokowi sought support from G7 member countries to facilitate Ukraine's wheat exports, so that they could run again soon.

In addition to the reintegration of wheat exports from Ukraine, Jokowi emphasized the importance of exporting food and fertilizer commodities from Russia in global supply chains.

Earlier last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union was working hard to establish "solidarity pathways" to facilitate food exports from Ukraine.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also briefly stated that his side was intensively communicating with Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, the United States, and the European Union to restore the Ukrainian grain export process amid the threat of a worsening global food crisis.

During his meeting with President Zelenskyy, President Jokowi conveyed his invitation to Ukraine to participate in the G20 Summit in Bali next November. Ukraine is not a member of the G20.

Jokowi also conveyed Indonesia's commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Ukraine, which this year, marks its 30th anniversary.

"This year is 30 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Ukraine. I convey Indonesia's commitment to continue strengthening cooperation," he remarked.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude and appreciation for President Jokowi's presence in Ukraine.

"Thank you for the presence of President Jokowi, which is the first visit by an Asian leader since the invasion of Ukraine. I also invite Indonesian businesses to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine," he remarked.

From Ukraine, President Jokowi is scheduled to visit Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin.  (Antaranews)