Italian PM's set to strengthen ties

Italian PM's set to strengthen ties

JAKARTA (JP): Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and his
entourage will arrive here Monday for a two-day state visit to
strengthen bilateral ties with Indonesia.

Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono announced yesterday that
the prime minister's entourage will include Italian Minister of
Foreign Trade Augusto Fantozzi and 80 Italian high-ranking
government officials and prominent business delegates.

Moerdiono said Prodi would discuss with President Soeharto
during his visit various kinds of bilateral, regional, and
international issues relevant to both countries' interests.

"Given Italy's position within the European Union and
Indonesia's position in ASEAN, it is hoped that a closer
relationship between the two countries will contribute to a more
harmonious relationship between the two regional groupings,"
Moerdiono said.

Italy is also a member of the Consultative Group on Indonesia,
a group of 18 developed countries which pledges annual loan
commitments to Indonesia. Italy pledged US$6.5 million out of
$5.26 billion of the group's loan commitments this year.

"As a group member, Italy has already made a significant
contribution to Indonesia's development through its sponsorships
in many health, energy, biotechnology, water-treatment and
medical projects," Moerdiono said.

During his visit, Prodi will attend a business luncheon
organized by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and will also
attend a dialog and seminar organized by the Agency for the
Assessment and Application of Technology.

Italian Ambassador Mario Brando Pensa said here yesterday that
Prodi's visit also aimed to strengthen "political connections"
between the two countries.

Prodi won confidence votes in both houses of Italy's
parliament Thursday, restoring his government's leverage in the
legislature a week after a revolt by his hard-left allies which
sought his resignation. (aan/prb)