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)