VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Cameron MacKay presented letters of credence to Indonesian President Joko Widodo Wednesday (11/20) at the State Palace, Jakarta, as the new Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia. In a press release from the Canadian Embassy received by Voice of Indonesia on Wednesday, Ambassador MacKay said Indonesia is one of Canada's most important partners in the Asia Pacific region.

“Canada and Indonesia are two vast, geographically diverse countries with two of the world’s longest coastlines. The natural richness of our countries is matched by the diversity of our people – we are both home to people of many ethnicities, speaking many languages and with many cultural and religious traditions. We both value diversity and democracy, and are committed to sustainable economic growth and environmental protection. I look forward to working with our Indonesian friends to strengthen our relationship and further explore the incredible opportunities our bilateral relationship offers in many areas including trade, investment, education, development, and peacebuilding, including UN peacekeeping,” said Cameron MacKay.

Canada established diplomatic relations with Indonesia in 1952. The first Canadian Embassy opened in Jakarta in 1953. Since that time, Canada has enjoyed a positive relationship with Indonesia, as key multilateral partners such as in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and G20. The two-way trade between the two countries last year topped CAD3.9 billion, an almost 13% increase compared to 2017. Indonesia is also one of Canada’s primary investment destinations in Asia, with Canadian investment valued at over CAD2.7 billion. As Canada promotes bilateral trade, it is also committed to protecting Canadian investors and Canadian citizens abroad. Canada is also actively engaged in development assistance in Indonesia to support sustainable economic growth, democracy, good governance, and human rights. We are also partners in addressing global challenges such as terrorism. Canada and Indonesia also enjoy growing people-to-people links with thousands of Indonesians and Canadians traveling and studying in each other’s countries. // Press Release / Embassy of Canada /ahm