Hungarian President talks business
JAKARTA (JP): Hungarian President Arpad Goncz got straight down to business upon his arrival here yesterday, after taking time off with his wife to spend the weekend on the holiday island of Bali.
Following a military 21-gun salute at Merdeka Palace, where he was greeted by President Soeharto, Goncz kicked off his two-day state visit by going directly to work on promoting bilateral economic ties. He met with the head of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Abu Rizal Bakrie, at Borobudur Hotel.
During the business meeting, Goncz was accompanied by the entourage of 39 Hungarian businessmen who are with him on his trip.
The economic aspects of the visit were emphasized once more during a dinner at the State Palace when Soeharto said, "Experience has taught us that cooperation with other nations can provide benefits for our development."
Soeharto welcomed the Hungarian initiatives in developing ties with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and, in particular, with Indonesia.
"We hope that in the years to come we can all enjoy the improving economic and trade relations between our two countries," Soeharto said.
Goncz said that Hungary, with its specific geographic location, could become a gateway for Indonesian products to Europe.
"The possibilities to intensify our friendly cooperation have multiplied. We mainly, but not exclusively, see these possibilities in the sphere of economy," he said.
Bilateral commercial links have steadily progressed in the last few years, with Indonesia accumulating a favorable balance of about US$155 million in the past nine years.
Indonesia's exports to Hungary mainly consist of coffee which accounts for 40 percent of total consumption. Other commodities include rubber, pepper, tin and plywood.
In return, Hungary supplies plastics, pharmaceuticals and machinery for the production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders.
Goncz was elected president by the Hungarian parliament on Aug. 3, 1990. Before assuming his present post, Goncz had established himself as a literary figure and was president of the Hungarian Writers' Association.
He is known to be an avid reader and enjoys music. It was probably this artistic side which led him to meet with local pianist Irawati Sudiarso and experimental musician Slamet Abdul Syukur after his meeting with the Kadin board.
This morning Goncz will engage in a private discussion with Soeharto at Merdeka Palace. This will be followed by a meeting with Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie.
The Hungarian president is scheduled to return to Budapest later today on a private Tupolev 154-B plane. (mds)