Message from the EU Presidency

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