TEMPO.CO, Nusa Dua - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi said on Wednesday, Oct. 11, that unity and cooperation among archipelagic and island states countries are paramount in the midst of global competition, escalating conflicts, and declining trust. He made the statement at a press conference after leading the first high-level meeting of the AIS Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali.

He also said that developing countries and small island states are the most vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis. He, therefore, called for greater cooperation among AIS Forum members to address various global issues such as rising sea levels, marine resource management, and marine pollution.

“Indonesia would like to invite all countries to continue to build unity and cooperation, even amid a divided world. Let us walk, and walk together,” Jokowi remarked.

He stressed that Indonesia has consistently voiced the interests of island states and developing countries in various international forums by involving them, including in last year's G20 Summit, ASEAN Summit, and this year's AIS Forum Summit.

“Indonesia is also committed to preparing grant funds for the interests of archipelagic and developing countries,” Jokowi added.

Indonesia hosted the first high-level meeting of the AIS Forum 2023, which was attended by 30 of the total 51 countries participating in this forum, as well as four international organizations.

Among the leaders attending the summit was President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley Simina, Prime Minister of Timor Leste Xanana Gusmao, Premier of Niue Dalton Tagelagi, and Deputy PM of Fiji Manoa Kamikamica.

The summit focused on efforts to strengthen cooperation to address four global issues, viz. climate change mitigation and adaptation, blue economy, marine plastic waste management, and maritime governance.

Previously, the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment announced the government’s financial commitment of US$5 million in 2022-2025 to support the AIS Forum as a real contribution to sustainable development.

ANTARA

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