During a
visit to the Bali Governor's Offices, Pádraig Frances, the Irish Ambassador to
Indonesia, praised Bali on its management of the pandemic. This is not the
first time this week that world leaders have complimented government officials
for their reaction to the outbreak.
This week,
Bali is holding the United Nations Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Government officials from around the world began their statements by praising
Bali for hosting the event and expressing gratitude for the efforts taken to
keep Balinese people healthy and safe throughout the outbreak.
Bali
Governor Wayan Koster met with Pádraig Frances on Thursday, May, 26th, to
discuss the sustainability of the cooperation between the Bali Provincial
Government and the Republic of Ireland. This successful meeting was crucial in
a year when Bali will host the G20 Summit.
'I am
pleased that several international conferences have gone smoothly,' Ambassador
Frances told the press. I also feel that Bali can make the G20 Summit a
success, especially if more country officials come to see the commercial
opportunities in Bali."
According
to reports, the ambassador and the governor discussed how to improve student
exchange programs by expanding cultural activities centered on traditional
crafts, rituals, and the sharing of local knowledge.
The debate
also included the beverage business. When it comes to beverages, the Balinese
and the Irish have a great deal in common. From coffee to arak, whiskey to
wine, the Balinese and the Irish have a lot in common. The governor welcomed
the ambassador to join him in raising a glass to the pandemic's robust recovery
and the relationship's enduring strength.
They
exchanged a shot of Balista, a new drink brand that combines Bali coffee with
Bali-made wine mixed with indigenous spices, fruits, and honey. The ambassador
is believed to have liked the drink because of its "beautiful packaging
and exquisite taste."
It was more
of a social visit, as is common of cordial contacts between ambassadors and
government representatives. Despite the fact that the two were discussing
formal relationships, it was an occasion for exchanged pleasantries. Following
the event, Ambassador Frances joked about the Irish and Balinese common love of
coffee.
"In
Ireland, we used to make Irish coffee by combining coffee with whiskey." It's
a wonderful way to meet new people, and it turns out we have something in
common with the Governor of Bali, who serves coffee drinks combined with
alcohol.' The governor is reputed to like a Balinese coffee without sugar and
topped with traditional Balinese arak.
The Irish
ambassador will most likely return to Governor Koster in the coming years to
follow through on their verbal agreements regarding student exchange programs,
Ireland's involvement in the G20 summit, and possibly opportunities to introduce
Balinese cultural goods such as arak and batik fabrics to the Irish market.
Ambassador
Frances was given a bottle of Arak to take home as well as a hamper of Balinese
Endek Woven Fabrics at the end of the session.
Governor
Koster will speak with senators and officials from all G20 countries, including
Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, ahead
of the G20 conference.
However,
these delegates will meet with the central government to discuss national
agreements. Koster will be eager to meet with international delegates in order
to gain additional assistance for Bali's post-pandemic economy, with a
particular emphasis on the tourism sector.
With the
elimination of the pre-entry PCR test for vaccinated travelers and the inclusion
of all G20 countries on Indonesia's visa on arrival policy, the path to
returning to Bali is becoming increasingly evident.