New envoys submit credentials

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received on Wednesday credentials from new European Union Delegation of the European Commission Ambassador Jean Breteche, South African Ambassador Griffiths Mandlekosi Memela and Qatari Ambassador Yousif Khalifa Abdullah Al-Sada.

The three submitted their credentials at the State Palace.

Breteche was formerly the EU Commission representative in Palestine Territory, while Memela arrived in Indonesia after serving as the first South Africa High Commissioner to Kenya.

In a recent interview with The Jakarta Post, Memela said South Africa was keen on cooperating with Indonesia in developing small- and medium-scale enterprises.

Memela's arrival came as ties between Indonesia and South Africa are flourishing with the two countries jointly sponsoring the Asia-Africa Summit here next month. They also co-hosted the Asia-Africa Sub-Regional Organizations Conference last year.

In his statement after the ceremony Yousif said he hoped to improve bilateral relations between Qatar and Indonesia. -- JP