Better Asia-Africa cooperation sought

Better Asia-Africa cooperation sought

JAKARTA: Visiting Namibian President Sam Nujoma called for closer cooperation between Asia and Africa on Monday in a bid to increase the competitiveness of countries on both continents against industrialized countries.

President Nujoma said that southern countries should strive to regain the strong spirit of brotherhood that emerged during the establishment of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961.

"Only by joining forces can we compete with the rest of the world ... working closely with Asia could increase our ability to compete with the industrialized countries of the north," Nujoma said when addressing a join media conference with President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Nujoma is on a three-day state visit to Jakarta as part of his Southeast Asia tour. His visit was at the invitation of the Indonesian government.

The two countries are looking for better cooperation, especially in trade relations.

Nujoma is scheduled to meet House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung and members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) on Tuesday.

He will continue his journey to Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.--JP