Message from the EU Presidency

On behalf of the Presidency of the European Union (EU), I am honored to send a message of friendship to the Indonesian people on the occasion on which we celebrate Europe Day.

Indonesia has gone through significant changes in the past three years. With a government committed to following the path of democracy and reform, the people of Indonesia deserve praise for bringing about this change, and His Excellency President Abdurrahman Wahid for showing courage and vision in tackling the many difficulties the transition entails.

The EU affirmed its commitment to develop a closer relationship with Indonesia, when, last March 20, under the Portuguese Presidency, the European Council approved new policy guidelines and offered to establish regular political dialog with Indonesia, at ministerial level, on all matters of common interest. The EU wants to support the efforts of the new Indonesian Government in strengthening democracy, ensuring respect for human rights, enhancing the rule of law and good governance, as well as assisting the country's economic recovery and sustainable development.

The EU equally wishes to promote mutual understanding between the European and Indonesian societies and to further expand cultural, educational and scientific exchanges. President Abdurrahman and his government have been active in promoting the new Indonesia through visits to various EU countries, and a number of members of EU governments have recently visited Jakarta, showing their positive reply and interest.

Despite the encouraging trend, Indonesia continues to face major challenges. The diverse experience of the 15 EU Member States, some of them, like Portugal and Spain, relatively young but vibrant democracies, could prove a valuable source of information for the transition efforts Indonesia is currently undertaking. The EU Member States are willing to share their experience, not only in the institutional and legal reforms necessary to improve the political and economic performance, but also in alleviating social, ethnic and religious tensions that risk internal political stability.

The strengthening of EU-Indonesia dialog will also give a new impetus to the EU-ASEAN partnership, where Indonesia plays a decisive role. The promotion of common interests in this and other fora may lead to significant advances on issues of global concern.

As the first Representative of Portugal to Indonesia since 1975, I am determined to contribute to the renewing of the historical relationship that links the Indonesian and the Portuguese peoples since the 16th century. As much as East Timor separated Portugal and Indonesia over the last 25 years, it can now bind us back together and serve to reinforce the relationship between the EU and Indonesia.

Both as Presidency of the EU and in a national capacity, Portugal is committed to actively engage in this new phase of cooperation with Indonesia. We therefore seize this opportunity to reaffirm to the people and the government of Indonesia our full support in overcoming the fundamental challenges that lie ahead.

Mrs. Ana Gomes

Charge d'Affaires a.i.,

Embassy of Portugal

Representative of the EU Presidency