Developing countries suffer due to 'waning multilateralism spirit': Indonesian president

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Developing countries are suffering due to the "waning multilateralism spirit," Indonesia's outgoing President Joko Widodo said Monday.

Speaking at the second Indonesia-Africa summit in Bali the president, popularly known as Jokowi, lamented the decline of the "multilateralism spirit" in the world amid geopolitical challenges and economic slowdown.

"Developing countries are the ones who suffer the most because of it. Millions of people in developing nations are the ones who struggle the most," he said.

Referring to the UN's 17 sustainable development goals, Jokowi said Indonesia would partner with African nations to "work towards the UN's plan for a better world."

"Indonesia is ready to partner with anyone, especially with Africa, as a key to achieving the global development agenda," he said.

The Southeast Asian country is hosting the three-day summit with African nations in Bali.

On Sunday, Jokowi introduced to African nations his successor, Prabowo Subianto, who will take his oath next month as Indonesia's next president.

During the summit, Jokowi said Indonesia had sealed business deals worth $3.5 billion with African nations, the Jakarta Globe online daily reported.

"Indonesia vows to be a bridge builder to fight for equality, justice, and solidarity" to accelerate the progress in sustainable development goals, said the 63-year-old Indonesian leader.