Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi Meets Australian Counterpart Penny Wong at the G20 Meeting in Bali

JAKARTADAILY.ID - The Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, met with her Australian counterpart Penny Wong, at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali on Thursday, July 7, 2022.

In a statement published by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (July 7, 2022), both foreign ministers raised the issue about MIKTA Forum, which stands for Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Australia (MIKTA), a forum that aims to play a bridging role between developing and developed countries.

MIKTA is said to raise discussions on global issues including Ukraine, food security and migration management at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting (G20 FMM) that is held from July 7-8, 2022.

According to the statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Australia reaffirmed its support for Indonesia's G20 presidency, which takes place in a difficult situation.

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"Both Ministers are of the view that the G20 must continue to work to remain relevant and be able to find solutions to various global economic problems," the statement said.

The bilateral meeting also raised the current situation in Myanmar, where both ministers agreed on the importance of inclusive national dialog and restoring democracy.

Prior to meeting Retno Marsudi, Wong released an official statement dated July 5, 2022.

"This week I will travel to Indonesia to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bali," she said.

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"As the premier forum for international economic cooperation and governance, the G20 has a vital role in ensuring food and energy security – both threatened by Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine," Wong said.

She continued that at the currently critical time for international security, Australia is working with Indonesia and other partners to ensure a successful G20 meeting, which can also "sends a clear message to Russia".

"I commend Indonesia for inviting Ukraine to participate as a guest," she said.

Penny Wong and Reto Marsudi pose after holding a bilateral meeting/Photo courtesy of Kemlu.go.id

Wong also said she will also participate in the twenty-first meeting of MIKTA Foreign Ministers.