With their government currently chairing the Group of 20 forum, Indonesian ministers are putting a brave face over the state of global affairs just weeks before a major summit in Bali will test countries’ willingness to bridge geopolitical differences.
“The current global challenges undeniably require global solutions,” Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said on Thursday in his address to open the G20 Trade, Investment and Industry Ministerial Meeting (TIIMM) in Bali, one of many G20 events preceding the main summit to be held on the island in November.
Day one of the meeting was attended by international delegates from the G20 member countries, which together account for more than 80 percent of world GDP.
“We must also strive to strengthen the multilateral setting and platform that have been waiting for our interests to be channeled through. [That's why] in the G20 presidency, Indonesia has been working together with other G20 members to […] restore confidence in global institutions,” said Airlangga.
Concurring, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said collaboration was needed to instill confidence in a world facing challenges, without leaving any nation behind.
“We will never reach that point alone. We need synergy, dialogue and international cooperation involving all countries to act in accordance with their capabilities,” said Agus.
Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, like Agus a co-chairman of the meeting, sang from the same song sheet in his opening remarks.
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