RI and U.S. seek input on future of relations

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia-United States relations toward the 21st century was discussed in a seminar at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

The aim of the seminar was to gather input from a wide range of individuals as a source of consideration in the implementation of Indonesian foreign policy towards the U.S.

The seminar was opened by the Director General of Political Affairs Izhar Ibrahim and attended by government officials, diplomats, academics and businesspeople.

The three main speakers were U.S. Ambassador to Jakarta Stapleton Roy, political observer Hasnan Habib and economist Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti.

Hasnan presented a paper titled The Framework of U.S. Political and Security Policy in Asia Pacific, while Dorodjatun spoke on the prospect of economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries.

The seminar was organized by the foreign ministry's directorate of American affairs and its research and development division.

The foreign ministry said at the seminar yesterday that apart from the great progress achieved since the two countries established diplomatic ties 46 years ago, the two sides continue to try and harmonize their perceptions on various political, economic, trade, environmental and social issues.

Apart from that the two countries also continuously discuss and exchange views on human rights issues and democratization which include the question of freedom of speech and the right to associate.

Other topics include the establishment of international sea lanes through Indonesia's archipelagic territory and the international military and training program which are mutually beneficial. (mds)