Indonesia is hosting a meeting of leaders and senior officials from Africa in the resort island of Bali. The participants agreed to enhance economic cooperation among countries collectively known as the Global South.

More than 20 countries are taking part in the Indonesia-Africa Forum. Indonesia is hosting the event for the second time, but this is the first time African leaders are participating in the gathering.

President Joko Widodo said on Monday that international solidarity is declining nowadays and developing countries are the most affected.

Indonesia has been seeking to strengthen its influence among the Global South nations by boosting cooperation on food and energy.
The country is buying more food and crude oil from African nations every year. But the volume still accounts for about three percent of Indonesia's total trade.

Meanwhile, China has been deepening ties with African nations through infrastructure projects and massive investments under the Belt and Road initiative.