Move to reconcile E. Timorese families<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A Portuguese business delegation has arrived to
\npromote better understanding of their country, and facilitate the
\nreconciliation of East Timorese families.<\/p>\n
President of Fundacao Timor para a Reconciliacao e
\nDesenvolvimento (Timor Foundation for Reconciliation and
\nDevelopment), Abilio Araujo, said the visit was aimed at
\nheightening awareness of Indonesia in Portugal.<\/p>\n
Araujo was speaking just prior to Saturday's opening of
\nPortuguese Cuisine Week at Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, Central
\nJakarta. It will run until Friday.<\/p>\n
\"We believe that there is a lack of information about
\nIndonesia and East Timor in Portugal,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"The lack of information is the main obstacle to promoting
\nmutual understanding between the two countries,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Portugal and Indonesia do not have diplomatic relations.<\/p>\n
The two countries are embroiled in diplomatic talks over the
\nformer Portuguese colony of East Timor which was integrated into
\nIndonesia in 1976.<\/p>\n
Araujo said many Portuguese were interested in developing
\nbetter ties with Indonesia.<\/p>\n
He said the culinary exposition was just the beginning of
\ncultural exchanges between the two countries.<\/p>\n
\"An Indonesian cuisine promotion will be held in Portugal
\nsoon,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Saturday's proceedings also marked the formal establishment of
\nthe foundation's Jakarta chapter.<\/p>\n
\"The Jakarta branch of the foundation is the first branch
\nabroad. Similar branches will be established in the United
\nStates, Britain, the Netherlands and Australia,\" Araujo said.<\/p>\n
Attending Saturday were senior officials from Indonesia's
\nforeign ministry -- Director General for Political Affairs
\nNugroho Wishnumurti, Director for International Organizations
\nHasan Wirayuda and Ambassador at Large Lopes da Cruz. (imn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/move-to-reconcile-e-timorese-families-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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