Since then-Indonesian president Sukarno visited Argentina in 1959, our bilateral relations have strengthened and widened to an ever-growing number of areas. Argentina and Indonesia have shared views in essential topics such as the maintenance of international peace and security, the pacific solution of controversies and the preservation of our global environment.

Also, Indonesia has shown continuing support for the historic Argentine sovereignty claim over the Malvinas islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas.

We also deeply value the potential role that Indonesia can play in the international multilateral system and we highly welcome Indonesia's increasing participation in it.

Our cooperation and common goals cover a variety of arenas such as the World Trade Organization, Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation and Group of 20. In 2018 Argentina held the presidency of the Group and in 2022 it will be Indonesia’s tenure. I am persuaded that under the Indonesian guidance we can achieve significant results in terms of global economic recovery and health cooperation, among others.

Our countries also benefit from growing trade with each other. Indonesia has stablished itself as one of the top destinations for Argentine exports and our country is also the third top destination for Indonesian exports to Latin America, with the total bilateral trade flow surpassing US$2 billion.

These numbers, although significant, can still be increased through bilateral cooperation. A good example is INA-LAC Business forum which will be held next November and its permanent virtual forum, in which Argentina is the Latin American country with the largest number of companies showcasing their products.

I am fully aware that the people of our countries are increasingly curious to learn and enjoy our different cultures. I am sure that after the pandemic, tourism between the two countries will increase and more Indonesians will be able to return to their tango classes and many of them will be able to celebrate it with an exquisite glass of Argentine wine. Indonesians have also proved to be keen polo players and we share a great passion for football.

In Argentina there is also a growing interest in learning about Indonesian culture and tradition. There are Argentine students who benefit from the Darmasiswa scholarship offered by Indonesia. Another good example is the admiration raised by the gamelan traditional instrument shows organized by the Embassy of Indonesia in Buenos Aires.

In order to overcome the pandemic and be able to get back to our daily and joyful activities, we must bear in mind that the best response to this epidemic is solidarity, since global protection is the only possible solution.

Under Indonesia’s leadership as cochair of the COVAX-AMC Engagement Group, considerable progress has been made in terms of fair access to vaccines and other health-related supplies for all countries. As President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo stated “Vaccines are global public goods”. So, in that sense, I encourage our countries to continue to work together to achieve equitable access to vaccines, especially to developing countries.

Since public health must be prioritized, we cannot meet each other to celebrate this friendship, but we can be sure that better days are yet to come. I feel that this is an appropriate occasion to remind us that true friends are those who are present at the most difficult times, so I cannot help but be optimistic for what the future has in store for both our nations.

Argentina and Indonesia must continue to work together and strengthen ties at the service of more just, supportive and transparent societies.

 ***

The writer is ambassador of Argentina to Indonesia.

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