RI to send more farmers, scientists to Tanzania

Indonesia plans to send more farmers and agricultural scientists to Tanzania as part of an effort to strengthen relations between the two countries.

In an joint press conference with visiting Tanzania Vice President Ali Mohamed Shein, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Friday that the country would continue to help Tanzania develop its agricultural sector.

"We have already sent our farmers and scientists to Tanzania to help their farmers. And we will send more of them as part of our commitment to improving relations and cooperation," said Kalla.

Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono said that Indonesia has been sending farmers and scientists to Tanzania since 1990 as part of a technical assistance program in the agricultural sector.

Anton also said that Indonesia had also invited farmers from Tanzania to study agricultural science in a number of local universities.

Meanwhile, Vice President Shein said both countries would form a joint commission to follow up on plans to improve trade, industrial and agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

"We are very grateful for the technical assistance given by Indonesia in assisting our agricultural sector. We hope that the assistance could be increased and improved in the near future," said Shein. -- JP