Staff Writer
Indonesia and Zimbabwe reaffirmed their enduring friendship as Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, HE Arief, celebrated the nations’ shared history of striving for independence, justice, and prosperity.
Speaking at a ceremony marking Indonesia’s 80th Independence Anniversary—attended by heads of mission, government officials, and journalists—Ambassador Arief highlighted the continued relevance of Indonesia’s “bebas dan aktif” (free and active) foreign policy.
He noted that this guiding principle, rooted in the 1955 Asia–Africa Conference in Bandung, advances peace, justice, and cooperation among developing nations. Zimbabwe, a committed member of the Non-Aligned Movement, shares this vision.
Ambassador Arief outlined several ongoing areas of collaboration:
Agricultural Development: Indonesian specialists are currently in Zimbabwe conducting artificial insemination programs to strengthen food security, with the initiative set to continue through 2025.
Education and Scholarships: More than 50 Zimbabwean students are studying in Indonesia through government and university-funded scholarships.
Trade and Economic Partnerships: Both countries are working to expand trade in palm oil, pharmaceuticals, and minerals. Indonesian officials have invited Zimbabwean businesses to participate in Trade Expo Indonesia, and a Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation meeting is scheduled for 2026.
Calling for unity in addressing global challenges such as climate change, Ambassador Arief invoked President Soekarno’s enduring words: “Let us row together, toward a horizon of shared prosperity.”
In a parallel address, Ambassador Albert R. Chimbindi, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that diplomacy remains central to national development.
“Zimbabwe seeks to deepen economic diplomacy,” he said, noting opportunities to expand cooperation in agriculture, mining, education, and health through long-standing partnerships with Indonesia.
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