RI and Hungary discuss the new world order
RI and Hungary discuss the new world order
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Hungary discussed yesterday the
need for regional organizations to maintain an open outlook to
help create a stable new world order.
The issue was tabled during a meeting between Indonesian
foreign minister Ali Alatas and his visiting Hungarian
counterpart Laszlo Kovacs.
"We spoke and exchanged views on the new world order which is
emerging...We agreed that this new world order could be
established by cooperation and outward looking regions," Kovacs
told journalists after the meeting.
He said that he had exchanged views with Alatas on European
and Asian cooperation.
Kovacs arrived on Monday for a four-day visit under the
invitation of his Indonesian counterpart. He is accompanied by
chief secretary Gabor Brody and deputy director for Asia-Pacific
affairs Andras Dallos.
Similarly, Alatas noted that regionalism was developing into
an important geo-political factor.
"We both agreed that in the future the role of regional and
sub-regional organizations will become increasingly important for
the maintenance of world peace and stability," he said.
Nevertheless, he warned against transforming these
organizations into uncompromising groups with protectionist
tendencies.
"I stated that in the economic field we have to make sure that
these regional organizations do not become merely inward-looking
or even drift into protectionism," said Alatas.
Indonesia is a key player in two key regional groups -- the
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the
Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN).
Other topics touched upon by the two foreign ministers were
the conflict in the former Yugoslav republic of Bosnia-
Herzegovina and the upcoming Asia-Europe Meeting in Bangkok next
month.
On the bilateral front, both foreign ministers expressed a
desire to further upgrade economic relations.
"After successfully consolidating themselves economically,
they now wish to expand their relations in Asia...of course we
welcome this," Alatas remarked, adding that it was now a matter
of implementation.
He noted the importance of looking at Hungary in terms of the
regional market surrounding the country.
Alatas underlined the need to improve two-way trade which
hovers at only around US$50 million a year. "This is far below
our potential," he said.
One of the likely aspects for enhanced cooperation will be the
transportation sector.
Kovacs said his country would like to participate more in this
sector through joint ventures in the production of lorries and
trucks.
Indonesia is set to buy 40 Hungarian-made buses for public
transportation and an additional 100 are in the pipeline. The
possibility of intercity trains is also being discussed.
More talks on trade relations will be held when Kovacs meets
with Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie and
Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita
today.
The Hungarian minister is also scheduled to pay a courtesy
call on President Soeharto this morning. (mds)