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.