RI, South Africa sign economic and scientific agreements<\/p>\n
Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
In an effort to strengthen their relationship, Indonesia and
\nSouth Africa have signed several agreements in the field of
\neconomy and science.<\/p>\n
The bilateral agreements were inked on Tuesday after President
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono met visiting South African President
\nThabo Mbeki at the State Palace for high-level talks.<\/p>\n
The documents signed by the two countries include a Memorandum
\nof Understanding (MoU) on Agricultural Development Cooperation, a
\njoint statement on the establishment of the joint trade
\ncommittee, and a letter of intent between the Surabaya Zoo in
\nIndonesia and the National Zoological Garden of South Africa.<\/p>\n
"The agreements will help enhance the relationship between
\nthese two countries that have an interconnected history.
\nCountries in Asia and Africa need to work closely to address
\nglobal problems together," Mbeki said standing next to Susilo
\nafter the meeting.<\/p>\n
Before it became a British colony, a part of South Africa was
\nonce a Dutch colony.<\/p>\n
Mbeki also reiterated the commitment of South Africa to help
\nIndonesia counter the threat of global terrorism and said his
\ncountry was interested to learn from Indonesia about how to
\naddress such problems.<\/p>\n
Mbeki arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday on a two-day state visit
\nahead of the 50th Asian-African Summit from April 22 to 23.<\/p>\n
During the conference, Susilo said he was pleased the two
\nnations' talks were productive.<\/p>\n
"We expect the agreement will drive us to be more active in
\nthe trade and economic sectors, as well as help us intensify
\nefforts to draw up other agreements," Susilo said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono said the
\ncooperation in the agricultural sector between the two countries
\nwould help boost the commodity trade, which was currently
\ninsignificant.<\/p>\n
Anton said Indonesia would promote the trade of three of its
\nmain agricultural products -- cacao beans and coffee -- while
\nSouth Africa would promote cotton, corn and fertilizer.<\/p>\n
"Under the joint trade committee, both countries will explore
\nways how to boost the trade of these commodities. Aside from
\nthat, we will also initiate an exchange in agricultural science
\nand technology," Anton said.<\/p>\n
Mbeki said the Asian-African Summit was an important way for
\nnations in the two continents to jointly address global problems.<\/p>\n
Some local observers have questioned the need for the
\nconference, which they say is an expensive talk-fest which offers
\nlittle in the way of concrete benefits.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian government has spent an estimated Rp 400
\nbillion (about US$44 million) to prepare the infrastructure and
\nservices needed to support the conference. The funds include the
\ncost of accommodation and luxury cars for foreign leaders.<\/p>\n
"When nations in Asia and Africa are gathered together, it is
\nnot merely a ceremony. Asia and Africa share the same problems
\nwith settlements that can be sought together. There are so many
\nopportunities between us that have yet to be tapped," Mbeki said.<\/p>\n
"The conference will offer the possibility for Asia and Africa
\nto form a strategic partnership, either for addressing global
\nthreats and problems or for cooperation in the United Nations,"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Susilo said he hoped the summit would go ahead with
\na similar spirit as the one in the 1950s had.<\/p>\n
"I disagree with critics that say the conference is merely a
\nceremony. In the 1950s, the conference aimed to fight
\nimperialism, and now the event is needed to fight global
\ninjustice, poverty and underdevelopment," Susilo said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-south-africa-sign-economic-and-scientific-agreements-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}