New RI envoy to China presents credentials

JAKARTA (JP): The new Indonesian ambassador to China, Juwana, presented his letters of credential to Chinese President Jiang Zemin in a ceremony at the Great Hall of People in Beijing this week.

The ceremony, held on Tuesday, was attended by a number of high-ranking Chinese officials and staff members of the Indonesian embassy in Beijing, the Antara news agency reported on Thursday.

Juwana is the second Indonesian ambassador to be posted in China since the two countries restored their diplomatic relations in August 1990. He replaces Abdurrachman Gunadirdja whose term has expired.

In his speech shortly after receiving the letters of credentials, President Jiang expressed hope that the friendship and cooperation between China and Indonesia could be further strengthened and developed.

In his own behalf and on behalf of the Chinese people, Jiang extended his warm regard to President Soeharto and First Lady Tien Soeharto, hoping that they are always in good health.

He said during his meetings with Soeharto in China in 1990 and in Seattle, the United States, in 1993, he had very cordial and personal talks with the Indonesian president.

Jiang said since the restoration of the diplomatic ties between China and Indonesia, the bond of friendship and cooperation in various fields have developed by leaps and bounds.

"I hope our cooperation in the economic field could also be improved," he added.

Juwana extended warm regards from President Soeharto and the First Lady to President Jiang Zemin and his wife.

The new envoy expressed hope that the Chinese president could attend the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference to be held in Jakarta at the end of this year.

Later in the day Ambassador Juwana and six foreign envoys, who will soon return to their respective countries because they have completed their terms, were received by Prime Minister Li Peng. (bas)