VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia launched a book titled "Indonesia South Africa: A South–South partnership in the Making" commemorating 25 years of diplomatic ties with South Africa, written statement of Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, received here, Saturday, noted.

The book features a compilation of writings and perspectives of several contributors and scholars from Indonesia and South Africa on an array of topics, including historical relations, contemporary issues, and ideas of future endeavors to be explored further by both nations.

In a bid to further disseminate information on the book’s content and highlight bilateral relations between both nations, the Indonesian Embassy, in collaboration with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), convened a virtual book launch event, with participants comprising several hundred scholars, academics, government officials, and diplomatic corps from Indonesia and South Africa.

In his remarks, Indonesian Ambassador to South Africa, Salman Al Farisi, highlighted the robust historical ties between both nations, initiated since 1994, and concomitantly encouraged them not easily rest on their laurels since other areas of potential can be further tapped.

"We should look beyond what we have done and turn this longstanding relationship into mutually beneficial partnerships," Ambassador Al Farisi affirmed.

The main speaker at the occasion was Deputy Director General of Asia and Middle East of the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ambassador Anil Sooklal, who emphasized in his remarks the importance of South-South Cooperation as well as the need to strengthen people-to-people contacts in these modern times.

The event was then followed by a deliberation session from contributors of the book: Prof. Muhammed Haron from the University of Botswana, Director General/Head of Policy Analyst and Development Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Siswo Pramono, Prof. Dirk Kotze from the University of South Africa, and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Durban Ebrahim Patel.

The event concluded with a call to parties of both nations to underscore the significance of intensifying relations between Indonesia and South Africa, forged a quarter of a century ago, to the desired level.(ANTARA)