VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Cairo, Egypt, held a diplomatic reception to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, Wednesday (21/9/2022). The event which took place at Wisma Duta, Garden City, Cairo, also celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Egypt

The diplomatic reception, which was the first activity since the Covid-19 pandemic, featured three main activities. First, a photo exhibition that shows the closeness of the leaders of the two countries.

Among them are photos of President Soekarno's meeting with President Gamal Abdel Nasser in Cairo in 1958. Also on display are photos of President Joko Widodo's meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Jakarta in 2015.

Second, the promotion of the cultural richness and diversity of Indonesian products. Here, invited guests can see various types of woven and songket fabrics from all over the archipelago.

Third, choir performances and traditional music by Indonesian students in Egypt. They are also assisted by local residents who are actively involved in activities at the Indonesian Cultural Center (Puskin) in Cairo.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt, Lutfi Rauf, said that this diplomatic reception had a very important meaning for both countries. Both from a bilateral and multilateral perspective.

"This is a historic momentum to increase the role of society in both countries," said Ambassador Lutfi. The goal is for Indonesia and Egypt to continue to build a holistic partnership.

The two countries currently have important multilateral roles. Indonesia will host the G20 Summit while Egypt is chairing the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).

In fact, the current global conditions are not conducive. "We are both facing global challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the food and energy crisis," he added.

However, Indonesia and Egypt are working hard to promote the spirit of multilateralism and encourage global cooperation. "Partnership and collaboration between countries is the key in facing the global challenges before us," said the Ambassador.

On that occasion, Ambassador Lutfi Rauf launched a book entitled Misra wa Indonesia, Masya'iru Mutabadilah. Which means "Egypt and Indonesia, Shared Feelings".

This 284 page thick book was written in Arabic by Prof. Dr. Shawi Ahmad, Chairman of the Indonesian Lovers Community (KOPI). "This book is a reflection to mark the 75-year journey of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Egypt," said Ambassador Lutfi. (RRI)