Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Foreign Affairs Ministry has allocated Rp70 billion for the commemoration of the Asia-Africa Conference (AAC) that will take place in Jakarta and Bandung on April 19-24, an official said.
"I only know that the Foreign Ministry has released some Rp70 billion additional fund," Director for the Intraregional Cooperation of Asia-Pacific and Africa Benyamin Carnadi said here on Thursday.
At least 17 of the 109 countries that Indonesia has invited so far have confirmed to attend the 60th AAC commemoration, he stated. According to him, several Indonesian presidential envoys have visited a number of countries to make sure that heads of state or presidents of the countries invited will attend the gathering.
"Some of the key countries they have visited include India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt," Benyamin pointed out.
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir remarked that some 20 events have been planned to enliven the AAC commemoration. Among the events for the AAC are the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) on April 19 and the Ministerial Meeting (MM) on April 20.
On April 21, the organizing committee will hold the Asia-Africa Business Summit. The summit will be held on two days: April 22-23, Benyamin said, adding that Indonesian President Joko Widodo will host a dinner party for the AAC participants. (WDY)
