VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

 

President Joko Widodo expressed his deep sorrow to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, along with all the Afghans for the tragedy in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, including the attack that occurred two days ago and Monday morning.

This was conveyed by the President during a joint press statement after a bilateral meeting with the Afghan President at Agr Agr Presidential Palace, Kabul, on Monday, January 29, 2018.

"I pray that the victims will soon be restored and to the families and relatives left behind may they be given the patience," said the President.

At the same time, President Joko Widodo stated that his visit to Afghanistan is a form of self-respect for a similar visit by the Afghan President to Indonesia last year. The Bilateral Visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia to Afghanistan was also the first since nearly six decades have passed.

"My visit to Afghanistan was the first Presidential Bilateral Visit of the Republic of Indonesia after nearly six decades, and last President Sukarno visited Afghanistan in May 1961," he said.

Given these facts, this visit can be interpreted as Indonesia's strong commitment to improve relations and cooperation with Afghanistan. Indonesia is also committed to building peace and supporting the welfare of the nation of Afghanistan.

The commitment was ultimately strengthened in the bilateral meeting between the two countries that took place warmly and full of brotherhood. Cooperation related to peace building in Afghanistan has been matured by both parties.

"Indonesia and Afghanistan will step up activities that can help in the process of peace building and reconciliation in Afghanistan," the president said.

One form of Indonesian support for peace in Afghanistan is also demonstrated by the continued construction of the Indonesian Islamic Center (IIC) complex in Kabul. According to the plan,  health facilities will be built in the complex this year.

"The health clinic at the IIC complex will begin construction in the spring of 2018 complementing the As-Salam Mosque that has been used by Afghans since 2015," he said.

The IIC Complex is a symbol or monument of the friendship of Indonesia and Afghanistan. The location is expected to be the center of activities that promote peace.

Meanwhile, President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the presence of President Jokowi in Kabul, Afghanistan.

"I really appreciate and thank the people of Afghanistan for coming here. President Jokowi always encourages peace in Afghanistan, "said President Ghani.

In addition, the visit of President Jokowi also brings a blessing to the people of Afghanistan. The arrival of President to Kabul was accompanied by snowfall which is believed to bring blessing.

"His Majesty's arrival did not have to bring gold, but brought rain and snow. Rain and snow are blessing to us. Snow and rain never choose to go down on the rich or the poor, "said President Ghani. (Release Protocol, Press and Media of Secretariat of the President)