Indonesian Minister says new frontier of cooperation in infrastructure and connectivity has emerged with Sri Lanka
Indonesia’s Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimoeljono has reportedly noted that a new frontier of cooperation in infrastructure and connectivity has emerged with Sri Lanka following Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s State visit to Sri Lanka last month.
The Minister has made this observation at an event held to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka last week.
Hadimoeljono has noted that the bilateral engagement has been marked by high level interactions which have elevated the relationship significantly.
He has reportedly said the longstanding connections between the two countries dating back to the 5th century through to the post-independence connections.
Expressing the hope for deeper and stronger bilateral relations and cooperation, the Indonesian minister has emphasised that the outcomes of the recent high level visits, including the several memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries, as well as the instruments being considered for intensified economic engagement, would provide a strong basis for intensified engagement.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia and ASEAN Dharshana M. Perera has reportedly said the strides Sri Lanka has made in the last seven decades including human development, diversification of the economy, strengthening of political freedoms and democracy, etc.
Perera has said, “The very ocean which used to distance us in the past, now, in modern times, brings us together and presents us with immense potential for vibrant, robust engagement.”
The ambassador has further noted, “With the elevation of our engagement in all fields and our shared values and vision of the future, the relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka has the real potential of blossoming into one of notable excellence.”
OSL take:
The statement by the Indonesian minister shows the growing bilateral relations and intensified economic engagement between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The trade partnership between the two countries has expanded opportunities for businesses/investments between the two countries and entrepreneurs from other countries could use this relationship to engage in business ventures with Sri Lanka and Indonesia using Sri Lanka as a base.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20180227/Z_6 |