New RI envoy to China presents credentials

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)