RI, PORTUGAL FOSTER CLOSER TIES

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, May 23 (ANTARA) - The current visit of Portuguese President Anibal Antonio Cavaco Silva to Indonesia is expected to open a new page in the relations between the two countries and expand their cooperation in various fields.          It is a historic moment because this is the first visit by a Portuguese President to Indonesia since both countries established diplomatic relations in 1950. It has happened after Indonesia underwent political changes since the reforms movement in 1998.          "President Silva's visit is the first of its kind to be conducted by a Portuguese head of state since both countries opened diplomatic relations in 1950, so it will mark a new page and a historic moment for the two countries to reinforce their commitment and build stronger ties and cooperation in the future," Ludiro Madu, the director of Indonesia Centre for Democracy, Diplomacy and Defence (IC3D), said on Tuesday.          The meeting between President Susilo Bamang Yudhoyono and President Silva is important because Portugal is expected to understand the change in Indonesia's democratic politics since 1998.          Ludiro stated the democratisation of Indonesia's political system would influence the agenda of the country's foreign policy and its international relations. "Indonesia plays an important role in various international issues such as the Palestine, human rights, world peace, and interfaith dialogues," he said.         In a meeting on Tuesday with the Portuguese president, President Yudhoyono emphasised the importance of cooperation at the UN and increasing friendly relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union.         The two countries have agreed to deepen their friendly relations in various international forums.         Regarding the relations with the European Union, Ludiro said the Portuguese president's visit was a moment for Indonesia to find new opportunities to penetrate the European market. New initiatives needed to be created in the economic, social and cultural fields so that cooperation in such fields could be enhanced.          The Portuguese president has been accompanied by about 20 business delegates and a score of members of parliament. This may create new opportunities for bilateral cooperation, particularly between both countries' business players.          "In this context, Indonesia-Portugal relations should not always be limited to government-to-government ties only but also include people-to-people relationships," Ludiro said.           According to Presidential Staff for international affairs Teuku Faizahsyah, the presence of the 20-member business delegation in the Portuguese president's entourage is expected to produce agreements on trade and investment.          In a dinner hosted in honour of the Portuguese president, President Yudhoyono urged the Portuguese and Indonesian business players to build partnership and create new opportunities. He expressed hope the partnership could be built through meetings involving businesspeople from both countries.          Besides, during the state visit of President Cavaco Silva, both leaders are scheduled to witness the signing of a number of memorandums of understanding for cooperation in various fields such as economy, social and cultural affairs, and diplomatic visa.          Indonesia and Portugal have agreed to increase the value of trade between the two nations for common welfare. "I believe we have different strengths and can complement each other," President Yudhoyono said during the dinner party.          "The Portuguese president and I have agreed to increase the value of trade so that the two countries' bilateral trade relations will be stronger and balanced," he added.          President Yudhoyono noted the trade between the two countries was good and could still be increased. From 2010 to 2011 the trade value between the two countries increased by 58 percent, reaching US$171 million.          Apart from the economic field, both nations have also enhanced cooperation in the social and cultural fields. They also have a sense of cultural proximity, which could enhance the potential for cooperation.          "The closeness could be felt in various parts in Indonesia from Aceh in the West to Flores and Maluku in the East. Even in Jakarta, in the Tugu area, there are Portuguese descents who have preserved the kroncong music which is much influenced by Portuguese music," he said.          ¿In Larantuka, Flores, every year ahead of the Easter Day the city is full with pilgrims who wish to celebrate 'Semana Santa' or the Holy Week. Christians there conduct rituals using Portuguese language," President Yudhoyono said.          Indonesia and Portugal have also discussed cooperation in the fields of education, youth affairs, sports and mass media.          Cavaco Silva welcomed the cooperation proposals presented by President Yudhoyono, saying Indonesia and Portugal had huge potential for cooperation in various sectors.         "As a Portuguese president, and for the Indonesian people, I would take concrete friendly steps in the fields of economy, sciences, advanced technology, and other fields where the two countries could complement each other well," he added.          The Portuguese president is visiting Indonesia at the invitation of President Yudhoyono. Indonesia's first president Soekarno visited Portugal in 1960.***1*** (T.A014/INE/O001) 23-05-2012 14:30