Jokowi, Putin Discuss Food Supply, Humanitarian Issues During Moscow Visit

TheIndonesia.id - Food crisis and humanitarian issues became the key talking points during the visit of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo to Moscow on Thursday to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

In a press conference after the two leaders’ meeting, President Jokowi conveyed that he’d delivered message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Putin as he affirmed his preparedness to bridge communication and facilitate dialogue between the two in an effort to push for ceasefire.

“I have conveyed President Zelensky’s message to President Putin, and I reaffirm my commitment to becoming a mediator between the two leaders,” Widodo said on Thursday, June 30, local time.

He also said the dire humanitarian problems resulting from the war was the basis for his visits to both Ukraine and Russia.

“The issue of peace and humanity has always been a priority for Indonesia’s foreign policy. The Indonesian constitution mandates that Indonesia will always seek to contribute to the world peace. In this context, I made visits to Kyiv and to Moscow,” he explained.

In addition, the state leader also confirmed he had an extensive discussion with Putin about food supply chain and food security that have been badly disrupted by the war.

“I discussed and emphasized that [disruption to] food and fertilizer [security] are [part of] humanitarian crisis, and it’s a global issue,” Widodo stated.

According to him, Putin offered assurance on food and fertilizer supplies from Russia and Ukraine, including via sea route.

“I truly appreciate President Putin who guarantees food and fertilizer supplies, both from Russia and Ukraine,” Jokowi said. “For the export of Ukrainian food products, especially by sea route, President Putin has offered his assurance.”

The President and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo previously visited Kyiv where he met Ukraine’s Zelensky.

In the meeting, Jokowi invited Ukraine to participate in the G20 summit in Bali next November and conveyed Indonesia's commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Ukraine, which this year, marks its 30th anniversary.

"This year is 30 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Ukraine. I convey Indonesia's commitment to continue strengthening cooperation," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Zelensky expressed his gratitude and appreciation for President Jokowi's presence in Ukraine.

"Thank you for the presence of President Jokowi, which is the first visit by an Asian leader since the invasion of Ukraine. I also invite Indonesian businesses to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine," he remarked.