Message from the EU Presidency in Jakarta

Message from the EU Presidency in Jakarta

On the occasion of the Europe Day, commemorating the
Declaration of Robert Schuman, who proposed courageously, since
the memories of war were still close by, the very first step
towards building the European Community, France, in its capacity
as President of the European Union, is proud to see the
achievements in 45 years, namely the growth, extension and
consolidation of today's European Union. With initially six
members forming the European Economic Community in 1957, then
nine in 1973, 10 in 1981, 12 in 1986 and 15 this year, the
European Union is today the world's most advanced form of
multi-sectoral integration.

Under the French Presidency, which started on Jan. 1 and lasts
for six months, the European Union has moved further in the
implementation of our common foreign and security policy, with
the main objectives of ensuring stability in Europe and
strengthening ties with other regions, in particular Asia. In
this regard, along with the active and constructive support of
Indonesia, we look forward to building upon the results of the
ASEAN-European Union ministerial meeting, which took place in
Karlsruhe last September, to broaden our dialog and increase the
mutual interest of the governments, the private sector and the
individuals, in the prospects of enlarging contacts and joint
activities between the nations belonging to both organizations.

Moreover, France is highly confident that the current
endeavors aiming at organizing a high level meeting between Asian
countries and the European Union, in early 1996, will be a full
success, enabling us to strengthen and develop further our
ongoing dialog and cooperation.

On this day of the celebration of Europe, France, along with
its 14 partners, would like to reiterate our joint strong
determination to promote peace, prosperity and cooperation, among
the countries of the European Union. On this date, symbolizing
unity and amity, France wishes to associate the Indonesian
authorities and people, who share the same ideals, to this
celebration. On behalf of the EU, I would like to avail myself of
this opportunity to, in turn, wish Indonesia all success and
prosperity during this year of commemoration of the 50th
anniversary of its independence.

Mrs. Martine Dorance

Charge d'Affaires a.i.

French Embassy