ANTANANARIVO - SOE Minister Rini Soemarno affirms that Indonesia is committed to participating in infrastructure development in Madagascar. This was conveyed during her meeting with Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Tuesday (17/9).
According to the Ministry of SOE, Ms Soemarno’s visit to Madagascar is under a direct order from President Joko Widodo as part of Indonesia’s pledge to get involved in infrastructure development in African countries. Madagascar has been chosen as one of the Indonesian government’s primary focuses due to its relative proximity to Indonesia.
“Indonesia has published a new book about our friends in Africa, and Madagascar will be in the first page. Not only is Madagascar the closest geographically, but we are also closely related by blood,” said Ms Soemarno in an official statement, Wednesday (18/9).
Ms Soemarno added that Madagascar should not have any doubt regarding its partnership with Indonesia because Indonesia has the experience and expertise needed by Madagascar to develop its infrastructure. In addition, she asserted, the Indonesian government only desires a fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial cooperation to produce concrete results.
“Indonesia hopes to see mutual progress, primarily with Madagascar, towards a better future together in the spirit of solidarity between emerging countries,” said Ms Soemarno. (MS)