Rumania and RI eye cooperation

Rumania and RI eye cooperation

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto and Rumanian President Emil
Constantinescu held bilateral talks yesterday morning aimed at
strengthening economic and political ties.

In their 90-minute talks the two leaders underlined the
importance of private sector participation, and exchange visits
by officials in strengthening economic bonds.

Accompanied by their ministers, the two leaders also briefed
each other their domestic affairs.

Constantinescu was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adrian Severin, Minister for Reform Ulm Spineanu and Minister of
Finance Mircea Ciumara.

Soeharto was accompanied by Minister/State Secretary
Moerdiono, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad and Minister of
Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat, who is acting foreign
minister while Ali Alatas is abroad.

Moerdiono quoted Soeharto as saying yesterday the two
countries need to get to know each other better. Both agreed to
expand trade further.

"Rumania regards Indonesia as an important potential trading
partner in the region," Moerdiono said.

On his arrival here Thursday, Constantinescu emphasized
the importance of forging closer ties with Indonesia and
described Asia-Pacific countries as key players in the world
economy in the coming years.

Rumania's exports to Indonesia from January to April stood at
US$17.7 million, while its imports totaled $5.6 million.

Yesterday evening Soeharto held a state banquet at State
Palace in Constantinescu's honor.

In his address Soeharto praised Rumania's recent
transformation into a modern and market-oriented economic
country.

"We closely watch the encouraging progress achieved by the
Rumanian people and government, especially in politics, social
and economic fields," Soeharto said.

He said national and regional stability have been key factors
in creating a conducive climate for Indonesia's development.

"Our success in maintaining dynamic domestic and regional
stability has contributed significantly to our successful
national development," he said.

Soeharto said it was important to establish not only good
bilateral but also regional links.

For Indonesia, Europe is one of the most important trading
partners and the country would welcome any efforts to boost trade
and economic relations between the two regions, Soeharto said.

"A strong partnership between Europe and Asia will eventually
benefit our national economy," he said.

Constantinescu flies to Yogyakarta this morning enroute for a
brief stopover in Bali before flying directly back to Rumania
this evening. (06)