Klestil to boost RI-Austria ties<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Austrian President Thomas Klestil will hold
\nbilateral talks with President Soeharto at Merdeka Palace this
\nmorning to discuss ways to boost economic ties between the two-
\ncountries.<\/p>\n
Indonesian Minister\/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday
\nthat Jakarta would ask Austria to offset the trade deficit that
\nexists between the two countries and to seek further investments
\nhere.<\/p>\n
In the past year, trade between Indonesia and Austria grew by
\nabout 18 percent to a total of over US$280 million.<\/p>\n
\"It is part of our foreign trade policy to try and balance our
\ntrade account with other countries,\" Moerdiono said following
\nKlestil's arrival.<\/p>\n
Klestil arrived on a three-day visit of Indonesia yesterday
\nwith a delegation of some 70 businessmen at the invitation of
\nPresident Soeharto, who went to Vienna last year.<\/p>\n
During a banquet at the State Palace yesterday evening,
\nSoeharto pointed out the potential for increased trade and also
\ncongratulated Austria on its membership in the European Union
\n(EU).<\/p>\n
\"We are confident that Austria's membership in the European
\nUnion is not an indicator that Austria intends to pursue a
\nforeign policy that is Euro-centric,\" Soeharto said.<\/p>\n
Klestil noted that following his country's admission into the
\nEU, Austria plans to strengthen its relations in the Southeast
\nAsian region, in particular with Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Moerdiono also reported that this morning's meeting between
\nthe two heads of state will likely touch on the issue of finding
\na peaceful solution to civil war in the former Yugoslavian
\nrepublic.<\/p>\n
Klestil will spend the day in Yogyakarta tomorrow to see the
\nBorobudur temple before leaving for Bangkok. (mds)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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