Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia and African nations havedeveloped cooperation since the “Bandung Declaration” in the Asia-AfricaCooperation in 1995, said the country’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi onFebruary 19.

Speaking at the conference “Cooperation with Africa” taking place during the special session of the G20foreign ministers meeting recently held in Bonn, Germany, Retno noted that theconference was significant not only for the cooperation between Indonesia andAfrican countries,  but also for theestablishment of South-South cooperation, according to Indonesia’s news agencyAntara.

Indonesia always values bilateral and multilateral ties under theframework of South-South and Triangular relations to support development inAfrican countries, the minister said.

Some initiatives which have been carried out by Indonesia to helpAfrican people develop their countries include the"New Asia Africa Strategic Partnership" (NAASP) 2005 and the"Capacity Development Project" (CADEP) in cooperation with Japan.

The Southeast Asian country and African nations havecooperated in a number of fields, such as agriculture, small and mediumenterprises, women empowerment, as well as democracy practices.

In 2017, the Indonesian government will continue tocount Africa as one of its priorities, particularly in trade and investmentcooperation in some strategic sectors such as energy and infrastructure. 

As Chairman of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the countrywill work to boost its maritime ties with Africa.

Retno called the G20 countries to support thedevelopment of Africa in security and welfare through more transparent andeffective cooperation between governments and the private sector.

The sound cooperation between G20 and African not onlyimproves common welfare but also contributes to global peace and stability,said Retno - VNA