VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

To celebrate the 70^th Republic Day of India, Indonesian Minister of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration, Eko Putro Sandjojo discussed ways in which the relationship can be further improved. In his opening speech in Jakarta, Eko Sandjojo observed the lengthy history of relations between the two countries which stretched back to the 1^st century and included involvement in the first Asia-Africa conference in 1955. The minister also commented on the increase of bilateral trade, which had increased by 20% from 16 billion US Dollars to 20 billion US Dollars over the last year. In discussing the New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the minister said both countries had set a target to achieve $50 billion worth of bilateral trade by 2025 and hoped that the bilateral relationship between the two countries will continue to grow and expand in a mutually beneficial manner.

“This special occasion is indeed the right time for us to look into the future with confidence that the relationship between our two countries will continue to grow and expand in a mutually beneficial manner. But moreover, as members of the G20, with a population that constitutes one-fifth of the global population, I am totally convinced that we could do more to the peace, stability, development, and prosperity of our region and beyond,” said Eko Putro Sandjojo.

In addition to thanking India for its assistance in various fields, Eko Putro Sanjojo also affirmed the commitment of two countries to the better Indo-Pacific region. (VOI / STEPHEN / AHM)