Message from the EU Presidency<\/p>\n
On behalf of the Presidency of the European Union (EU), I am
\nhonored to send a message of friendship to the Indonesian people
\non the occasion on which we celebrate Europe Day.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has gone through significant changes in the past
\nthree years. With a government committed to following the path of
\ndemocracy and reform, the people of Indonesia deserve praise for
\nbringing about this change, and His Excellency President
\nAbdurrahman Wahid for showing courage and vision in tackling the
\nmany difficulties the transition entails.<\/p>\n
The EU affirmed its commitment to develop a closer
\nrelationship with Indonesia, when, last March 20, under the
\nPortuguese Presidency, the European Council approved new policy
\nguidelines and offered to establish regular political dialog with
\nIndonesia, at ministerial level, on all matters of common
\ninterest. The EU wants to support the efforts of the new
\nIndonesian Government in strengthening democracy, ensuring
\nrespect for human rights, enhancing the rule of law and good
\ngovernance, as well as assisting the country's economic recovery
\nand sustainable development.<\/p>\n
The EU equally wishes to promote mutual understanding between
\nthe European and Indonesian societies and to further expand
\ncultural, educational and scientific exchanges. President
\nAbdurrahman and his government have been active in promoting
\nthe new Indonesia through visits to various EU countries, and a
\nnumber of members of EU governments have recently visited
\nJakarta, showing their positive reply and interest.<\/p>\n
Despite the encouraging trend, Indonesia continues to face
\nmajor challenges. The diverse experience of the 15 EU Member
\nStates, some of them, like Portugal and Spain, relatively young
\nbut vibrant democracies, could prove a valuable source of
\ninformation for the transition efforts Indonesia is currently
\nundertaking. The EU Member States are willing to share their
\nexperience, not only in the institutional and legal reforms
\nnecessary to improve the political and economic performance, but
\nalso in alleviating social, ethnic and religious tensions that
\nrisk internal political stability.<\/p>\n
The strengthening of EU-Indonesia dialog will also give a new
\nimpetus to the EU-ASEAN partnership, where Indonesia plays a
\ndecisive role. The promotion of common interests in this and
\nother fora may lead to significant advances on issues of global
\nconcern.<\/p>\n
As the first Representative of Portugal to Indonesia since
\n1975, I am determined to contribute to the renewing of the
\nhistorical relationship that links the Indonesian and the
\nPortuguese peoples since the 16th century. As much as East Timor
\nseparated Portugal and Indonesia over the last 25 years, it can
\nnow bind us back together and serve to reinforce the relationship
\nbetween the EU and Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Both as Presidency of the EU and in a national capacity,
\nPortugal is committed to actively engage in this new phase of
\ncooperation with Indonesia. We therefore seize this opportunity
\nto reaffirm to the people and the government of Indonesia our
\nfull support in overcoming the fundamental challenges that lie
\nahead.<\/p>\n
Mrs. Ana Gomes<\/p>\n
Charge d'Affaires a.i.,<\/p>\n
Embassy of Portugal<\/p>\n
Representative of the EU Presidency<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/message-from-the-eu-presidency-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }