Indonesia eyes Polish technological expertise
Indonesia eyes Polish technological expertise
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is hoping to benefit from Polish industrial technological expertise, particularly in shipbuilding, through the current state visit of Polish Prime Minister Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz.
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said that during a brief exchange of words between Cimoszewicz and President Soeharto yesterday, the two leaders discussed possible cooperation between the two countries in a variety of areas.
He cited Poland's mastery of industrial technology, especially in shipbuilding, as one area where Indonesia is keen to forge closer links.
Cimoszewicz arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma airport in Jakarta yesterday, accompanied by his wife Barbara. His 61-strong delegation includes Polish business executives to underscore the nature of his visit.
The prime minister and his entourage had spent the night in Denpasar, Bali, before proceeding to the capital.
Moerdiono said he expected that formal talks between Cimoszewicz and Soeharto scheduled for this morning would focus on economic and trade relations.
The Polish prime minister first held a meeting with Aburizal Bakrie, the chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also laid wreath at the Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery and visited Taman Mini. Last night he attended a banquet hosted by President Soeharto at the State Palace.
Today, he will meet with President Soeharto, and later with House Speaker Wahono, Coordinating Minister for Production and Distribution Hartarto, State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas.
Indonesia is the first foreign country visited by Cimoszewicz since he was appointed prime minister by President Aleksander Kwasniewski on Feb. 1. A lawyer by training, he has served as justice minister in Polish cabinet and hails from the Democratic Left Alliance, the majority in the coalition government formed with the Polish Peasant Party.
Moerdiono said during the brief exchange of words after the state reception at Merdeka Palace that the Polish prime minister extended an invitation from President Kwasniewski to Soeharto to visit Poland.
Cimoszewicz leaves Indonesia for Bangkok tomorrow. (emb)