Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo met with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on June 29, offering him a role as a mediator for peace between the Ukrainian leader and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Widodo arrived in the Ukrainian capital in the morning and was welcomed by Zelensky at the Mariinsky Palace in the afternoon. He returned to Poland shortly after a meeting with the Ukrainian leader and is expected to leave for Moscow on June 30 to meet Mr. Putin.
"I have proposed conveying a message from President Zelensky to President Putin, whom I will soon visit," Widodo said at a press conference with Mr Zelensky, according to the Indonesian presidential office.
He emphasized that Indonesia respects national sovereignty and wishes for a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Mr. Widodo also talked about Ukraine's important role in the global food supply chain. "The important thing is that all parties must ensure security so that Ukrainian food is exported smoothly, even through seaports. I support the United Nations' efforts on this issue," said the Indonesian President.
The United Nations is negotiating with Ukraine, Russia and Turkey to establish a Black Sea corridor for Ukrainian wheat exports.
Widodo, a G-20 Chair this year, once again invited President Zelensky to attend the G-20 summit on Indonesia's Bali island in November. He made the invitation earlier in a phone call with the Ukrainian president in April. The Ukrainian leader accepted the invitation, but the form of participation will depend on the situation in Ukraine.
President Widodo said that Indonesia is committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Ukraine. Jakarta will provide medical supplies and help rebuild hospitals around Kiev that were damaged in the war.
Ukrainian President Zelensky praised the first visit by an Asian leader to Ukraine since Russia launched its military campaign. The support is extremely important for Ukraines peace restoration, he said.
The two leaders also discussed the prospects for rebuilding Ukraine after the conflict. I invite Indonesia, Indonesian companies, and experts to participate in this project - the largest economic project of our time in Europe, Zelensky said.
Widodo arrived in Kiev on an overnight train from Przemysl, Poland, after attending the G7 summit in Germany this week. He was accompanied by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
Before meeting Mr Zelensky, the Indonesian president visited an apartment complex devastated by war in the neighboring town of Irpin. He also visited an endocrine research and treatment center in the capital Kiev, where Ms. Iriana Joko Widodo presented medical aid to the facility.
Foreign Minister Marsudi said that Indonesia is also providing aid through the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and is committed to helping rebuild hospitals damaged in the conflict.
