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)