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No. 5/PR/2007
Indonesia
and
Bosnia
Herzegovina
AGREED to improve economic and trade relations
The
approaches and means for improving the economic
and trade bilateral relations between Indonesia
and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have been the
main topics of discussion between BiH Chairman
of Presidency and Indonesian Ambassador
accredited to BiH. The converse was held
subsequent to the Letter of Credence
Presentation by Ambassador Mangasi Sihombing to
the BiH Chairman of Presidency, Nebojša
Radmanović at the Office of Presidency, Sarejevo
on 26 February 2007.
Both sides expressed that the two countries have
enjoyed an excellent political ties since its
diplomatic relation established 15 years ago.
Yet President Radmanović did recall and
appreciated Indonesian friendly assistances
given to his country at the earlier years of its
independence. Indonesia was one of many
countries participated in the UN peacekeeping
force for BiH during the civil war in Former
Yugoslavia. On the other hand, Ambassador
Sihombing reiterated his country’s appreciation
for humanitarian assistance extended by Bosnia
and Herzegovina for the cause of tsunami that
stroked the Province of Aceh.
Trade balance between the two countries last
year dealt approximately at the amount of 1
million US dollar that is far-off beyond their
capacity, Ambassador Sihombing stated. In favour
of resolving the aforementioned deficiencies,
precise and concrete efforts need to be taken
immediately, such as by organizing Indonesian
Day to provide BiH importers and investors a
comprehensive exposé/information on trade,
tourism and investment opportunities in
Indonesia. The visit of Minister for Foreign
Affairs, N. Hassan Wirajuda in March 2007 and
the Joint Economic Committee Meeting in April
2007 in
Sarajevo
are considered of great impetus to the
improvement of the economic and trade relations
of the two countries.
During his visit to Sarajevo, Ambassador
Sihombing was also scheduled to meet a number of
high ranking officials from various governmental
and non-governmental institutions. At friendly
talks with the Speaker of BiH House of
Representative, Mr. Beris Belkić as well as with
the Reis Ulama, Mr. Mustafa Ceric, Ambassador
Sihombing highlighted possible cooperation on
interfaith dialogue. They welcomed this idea as
both countries have common interest to promote
the value of tolerance and peaceful
co-existence, for the reason that both countries
are multi-ethnics and multi-religions.
The
bilateral cooperation on military and
anti-terrorism were also conversed in the talks
with the Chairman of Presidency Nebojša
Radmanović and the Deputy of BiH Defense
Minister, Ms. Marina Pendes. The cooperation in
the field of informatics, telecommunication and
transportation was also particularly discussed
with Dr. Božo Ljubić, BiH Minister for
Communication and Transport.
Budapest, February 28th, 2007
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