New ambassadors target strategic cooperation with Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The ambassadors of friendly nations newly assigned to Indonesia expressed optimism about strengthening strategic cooperation with Indonesia in various sectors, after presenting their letters of credence to President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday. “We want to do our utmost to build new bridges of cooperation in the maritime, logistics, and transport spheres. I am very confident that we can become a very good and strong partnership,” said the Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Indonesia, Bernardo Brea Rodriguez. Bernardo said his first experience of serving in Indonesia left a positive impression. He admitted to receiving a warm welcome since first arriving in the country and hoped that bilateral relations could develop more closely by leveraging Indonesia’s and Panama’s strategic positions in the global trade network. Similar optimism was conveyed by the Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to Indonesia, Maria Gabriela Vieira Soares de Albergaria. According to her, her posting in Indonesia has personal meaning because it makes her feel like returning home. “My mission is to strengthen the bonds we have had for more than five centuries to contribute to a better world in tackling various international issues, things we must address together as a world,” Maria said. She affirmed her commitment to expanding the friendship and cooperation that have been built on mutual respect. “As the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the Republic of Indonesia, I will strive to enhance and further expand the friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries,” said Hong Kwang Il. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Indonesia, Redouane Houssaini, also saw great opportunities for Indonesia and Morocco to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, food security, and youth cultural exchange. According to Redouane, the two countries hold strategic positions in their respective regions while sharing the same values in upholding tolerance and moderation. “We share the same Islamic values of tolerance and openness, and I think Indonesia and Morocco are good examples in this regard,” he said. Besides Panama, Portugal, North Korea, and Morocco, letters of credence were also presented by the ambassadors of Guatemala, Qatar, Kenya, Fiji, and Mozambique. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arif Havas Oegroseno explained that following the credentials ceremony, President Prabowo continued the agenda with a friendly gathering with the ambassadors in the Veranda Room of the Merdeka Palace. During the meeting, President Prabowo expressed his happiness in welcoming the newly assigned ambassadors to Indonesia while reiterating the principle of Indonesia’s free and active, or non-aligned, foreign policy. The President also stressed the importance of inter-state cooperation to create justice amidst various global challenges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that with the presentation of credentials on Tuesday and a similar event the day before, a total of 17 ambassadors of friendly nations have officially submitted their letters of credence to President Prabowo as part of the commencement of their diplomatic assignments in Indonesia.