Austria plans to focus its relations on Asia
Austria plans to focus its relations on Asia
JAKARTA (JP): Despite its admission into the European Union,
Austrian President Thomas Klestil yesterday asserted his
country's intent to focus its relations on Asia, and Indonesia in
particular.
Following a meeting with President Soeharto at Merdeka Palace,
Klestil said that Austria has designated this year The Year of
Asia and marked its beginning by embarking on a trip to
Indonesia.
Austrian citizens consented their government's decision to
join the European Union in a referendum on June 12, 1994.
The Union includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Klestil said that he told Soeharto of the need for the two
countries to help each other and offered Austria's assistance in
Indonesian development.
The Austrian president is currently on a three-day visit here.
He is scheduled to visit Yogyakarta today before the next leg of
his journey to Thailand and Vietnam.
Indonesian Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said that
because there is no impeding political issues between the two
countries, the two presidents discussed international
developments of mutual concern, such as the civil war in former
Yugoslavia.
In the wake of his whirlwind visit to Sarajevo and Zagreb,
President Soeharto has proposed a comprehensive solution to the
crisis and made available Indonesia's services as facilitator.
This proposal was warmly welcomed by Klestil.
"Austria welcomes and approves the steps Indonesia will take,"
Moerdiono said.
Austria itself has a vested interest in seeking a prompt end
to the conflict because it has been flooded by refugees from
neighboring Slovenia.
Apart from the discussing the former Yugoslavia, Klestil
requested Indonesia's support for Austria's nomination as the
headquarters for the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty when
the agreement is signed.
"In principal, Indonesia does not object to supporting
Austria's wish," Moerdiono said of Jakarta's position.
Talking to journalists about the rising fear of Islamic
fundamentalism, Klestil happily remarked that fundamentalism was
not found here and praised Indonesia's religious harmony and
tolerance.
During a luncheon hosted by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce
and Industry yesterday, Klestil stressed the long standing
commercial links between Indonesia and Austria.
He told of how an Austrian businessman had come to Indonesia
in 1623 and brought back with him four parrots and a panther.
"It shows that while other countries fought wars, we ventured
to trade peacefully," Klestil said.
Two-way trade last year stood at over US$280 million and
Austrian investments in Indonesia totaled $38 million in various
areas, including power stations and railway equipment.
The 0entourage of 70 Austrian business executives accompanying
Klestil hoped to forge contacts to boost further business.
Klestil earlier pointed out the potential for both Indonesia
and Austria to become trade gateways for their respective
regions. (mds)