Not Just Putin; Jokowi Also Scheduled to Meet Ukraine President Zelensky This Month

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - It has been confirmed that President Joko Widodo or Jokowi will visit Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of this month. Jokowi is also slated to visit Ukraine and meet President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said that the upcoming visits will be conducted under abnormal circumstances, as tensions between the two nations have been going on for more than three months.

However, as Indonesia holds the presidency of the G-20 and is a member of the Global Crisis Response Group formed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, "President Jokowi chooses to contribute, not to stay silent," Retno said.

The minister said the president's visit showed his concern for humanitarian issues. President Jokowi will also seek to contribute to addressing the food issue.

"[The problem] is caused by war, and the impact is felt by all countries, especially developing and low-income countries. And [the president will] continue to encourage the spirit of peace," said Retno during a virtual press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday, Wednesday, June 22, 2022.

Previously, a source from the Russian presidential office leaked Jokowi's visit to Moscow on June 30, 2022. Sources in Kremlin said Jokowi's visit would be very important.

"We are preparing it now," the source said, as reported by TASS on Tuesday, June 14.

The Kremlin source also mentioned the G20 forum currently chaired by Indonesia and the crucial importance of economic and political partnerships between the two countries.

Daniel Ahmad

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