Indonesia ready to bridge Ukraine-Russia peace efforts

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has expressed his support for peace efforts in Ukraine in the bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

Jokowi also conveyed that Indonesia is also ready to be a bridge of peace between Russia and Ukraine. "President Zelenksyy, I have been following the situation in Ukraine. My condolences to the victims who continue to fall," President Jokowi remarked, according to a statement received here on Sunday.

Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation of Indonesia's role in seeking peace settlement in Ukraine. He added that he still remembers the moment when President Jokowi visited Kyiv last year, becoming the first Asian leader who visited Ukraine since the invasion.

In the meeting, the two leaders also discussed the importance of the world food supply chain, which also had been discussed during Jokowi's visit to Kyiv last year. President Jokowi conveyed his support for the extension of the Black Sea grain deal.

"I welcome the extension of the Black Sea grain deal for another two months. It's very important for the continuity of the world wheat supply chain," Jokowi said. In addition, the meeting also discussed humanitarian assistance. Indonesia has committed to contributing to the renovation of one of the hospitals in Ukraine. "The Indonesian government continues to coordinate with the World Bank and Ministry of Health of Ukraine to discuss this (plan)," the President added.

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In the bilateral meeting with Zelenksyy, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.