RI, Mozambique sign deal

RI, Mozambique sign deal

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Mozambique signed an agreement
yesterday on economic and technical cooperation aimed at
enhancing ties between the two countries which were only formally
established in November 1991.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali
Alatas and his Mozambique counterpart Leonardo Santos Simao.

Alatas expressed hope that the agreement would strengthen ties
and contribute to each nation's development.

Indonesia exports sugar, margarine, tobacco and cosmetics to
Mozambique, while importing pulp and paper commodities.

As a former Portuguese colony, Mozambique had previously
supported Lisbon's position concerning East Timor. But since
establishing diplomatic ties with Indonesia, Mozambique has
backed away from its original position and maintains that East
Timor is a domestic matter between Jakarta and Lisbon. (mds)