India, RI to cooperate in CNG fuel sector

Indonesian and Indian ministers concluded the Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation to promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), India's ministry of external affairs said.

India boasts a success story of introducing the cleaner fuel to some 200,000 vehicles. The Indian government has made it mandatory for public transportation in the metropolis to use CNG in a bid to reduce pollution and keep maintenance costs low.

Jakarta will share Delhi's experience in introducing CNG as an alternative fuel for cars, the ministry said in its website.

Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda (left, photo above), who met his Indian counterpart Natwar Singh (right) at the second Joint Commission Meeting, did not comment.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement that the meeting was held "in a warm and friendly atmosphere and the leaders of the two delegations stressed the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries".

The ministry confirmed that Singh would visit Indonesia on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Bandung Conference.

It also said that Indonesia sought cooperation and collaboration with India in information technology, biotechnology, space and remote sensing.

Indonesian Minister of Health Siti Fadilah Supari, who also attended the meeting, discussed cooperation in the health and pharmaceutical sector with her Indian counterpart.

During the three-day visit, Hassan also met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and thanked for India's immediate assistance in rehabilitation efforts in Aceh. -- JP