According to the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, there are all prerequisites for cooperation between Ukraine and Indonesia to reach a new level, in particular, by exchanging bilateral visits of presidents, leaders of parliaments of both countries and parliamentary groups on inter-parliamentary relations.
“Ukraine is also interested in intensifying cooperation with ASEAN, the key organization in the Southeast Asia region. A letter was sent from the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Razumkov confirming the interest of our state in the acquisition of the status of an observer in the Assembly by the Ukrainian Parliament,” stressed Olena Kondratiuk.
In turn, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of People's Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia Azis Syamsuddin assured Olena Kondratiuk that the Indonesian Parliament would support the Verkhovna Rada's desire to obtain observer status in ASEAN. According to him, Indonesia is also interested in visa liberalization with Ukraine.
The parties also discussed issues of gender equality and women's participation in politics. Azis Syamsuddin informed Olena Kondratiuk that the Council of People's Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia is headed by a woman, and 20% of 575 deputies are women. A number of parliamentary committees, in particular on defense, are also chaired by women. The relevant gender quota is provided for in Indonesian law.
Olena Kondratiuk noted that about 20% of the Parliament of Ukraine are also women. “However, we plan to reach the level of 40% of women's representation in local councils, and in the Verkhovna Rada in the future,” she added.
At the end of the meeting, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of People's Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia Azis Syamsuddin invited Olena Kondratiuk to pay a working visit to Indonesia to exchange experiences and strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation.