Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with several African embassies, held a friendly football match to strengthen relations between Indonesia and African countries, according to a press release received here on Tuesday.
The joint team of the Foreign Ministry beat the African team in Jakarta 2-1.
The friendly match was played as part of the commemoration of Africa Day held at Senayan.
The match was opened by the Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa of the Foreign Ministry, Desra Percaya.
Desra expressed his congratulations on the celebration of Africa Day to the African ambassadors and diplomats in Jakarta.
Desra noted the commitment of the Indonesian government to strengthen bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation with African countries.
A football game was chosen to recognize Africa Day because soccer is a popular sport for both Indonesians and Africans.
The game has become an arena for the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between Africa and Indonesia.
The event was also attended by the ambassadors of African countries, officials of the Jakarta government and businessmen.
Morocco's ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which held the friendly football match.
The Indonesian government supports the celebration of Africa Day each year.
"Africa Day" is an annual celebration of African unity and a commemoration of the establishment of the Organization of African Union in 1963. Africa Day is celebrated by African communities inside and outside the region.
In addition to football, the Africa Day celebrations included a performance of Betawi traditional dance and exhibitions about the Jakarta Smart City. (WDY)
