VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia and the Philippines are ready to welcome their 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2019 by strengthening bilateral cooperation especially in economy. This was stated by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi and Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Alan Peter Cayetano, in their meeting in Jakarta on Monday (20/8). In the meeting, the two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation especially in economic sector to translate close relations that are almost three-fourth of a century for the welfare of the people. One of issues which becomes their concern, is the intensification of connectivity especially Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) route between Davao City and Bitung to encourage bilateral economy which was agreed by the two presidents last year. According to minister Retno, the increasing of the connectivity will further open the door to trade and encourage business activities of the two countries, especially local communities. Indonesia also welcomes the invitation of the government of the Philippines to strengthen economic cooperation especially in investment for the development of South Philippines which becomes autonomic region. The situation in the South of the Philippines is hoped better by legalization of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) by the Philippines’ parliamentary in July 2018.

The commemoration of the 73rd Independence of Indonesia which was held by Ho Chi Minh City Union Friendship Organizations (HUFO), was made used by the Indonesian consulate general to conduct integrated promotion of economy, social and culture by introducing Indonesian art culture and product especially aircraft and train product. During the event, the Indonesian Consulate General expressed the close relations between Indonesian and Vietnam leaders since the beginning of the independence. The high-level visits are still going on until now. The consul also informed that flight route of HCMC – Bali is being tried by low budget airlines. In addition, the consul also conveyed Indonesian supports to the government of Vietnam by offering Indonesian products such as aircraft and train. Based on tradition, the Indonesian anniversary is followed by the cutting of tumpeng (mount-shaped yellow rice) by the consul which was given to leader of HUFO and Vietnam-Indonesia Friendship Association (VIFA). The event was enlivened by dance performance which was performed by Indonesian students who study at University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH).

The increase of economic cooperation between Indonesia – Iran supports the state growth rate in each country, among others through the increase in trade cooperation, tariffs, medicines industry and many others by eliminating obstacles and changing them to be challenge. This was stated by Indonesian Ambassador to Iran, Octavino Alimudin, on the diplomatic reception to commemorate the independence of Indonesia, in Tehran, on Sunday (19/8). The ambassador said that the two countires exchanged export’s commodity in oil and gas, mining, agricultural and industrial products such as foods and beverages. Various obstacles in economic and trade turn to be challenges especially for capability of the two countries. Therefore, both countries must work together to support each other through strengthening capacity building including technology transfer.