Events

JAKARTA, 19 March (BelTA) – Belarus views cooperation with Indonesia as a good prospect to build up its presence in the ASEAN region, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said following the talks with his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on 19 March.

“Strengthening relations with the Southeast Asian countries is one of the priorities of Belarus’ foreign policy. With this, Indonesia is the key country for advancing our interests in this vast region. I am confident that Belarus can make a so-called bridge for Indonesia to our neighboring states. Our interest is in ASEAN, yours is in Europe and the Customs Union through Belarus,” the President of Belarus said.

Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the fact that there are already plans to establish joint industrial and agricultural enterprises in Indonesia, which will sell products not only on the Indonesian market but also in other countries in the region.

Indonesia's President expressed confidence that the countries can significantly boost the mutual trade and mutual investment. “I hope that we shall enhance our bilateral relationship. Belarus' membership in the Customs Union is an opportunity to enhance cooperation, as well as our membership in ASEAN,” the Indonesian head of state said.

The heads of state discussed the prospects of cooperation in the industrial, agricultural, scientific, educational, cultural, defense and investment areas, considered the measures to deal with emergencies and interaction in the international arena.