Sachsen RI's gateway to East Europe
Sachsen RI's gateway to East Europe
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto in Dresden yesterday
emphasized the importance of the German state of Sachsen (Saxony)
as a portal that will allow Indonesia to forge ties with Eastern
Europe.
"Sachsen has a special relevance to our relationship with
Germany and the eastern part of Europe," Soeharto said during a
reception hosted by Sachsen's Minister President Biedenkopf and
his wife Ingrid.
He added that "apart from the large economic potential that
can be developed in a mutually profitable cooperation, Sachsen is
also the primary gateway to establishing ties with the countries
in Eastern Europe."
Soeharto's trip through Germany was highlighted last Sunday by
the opening of the 1995 Hannover Fair at which Indonesia was
chosen to be this year's "country partner".
On the last leg of his six-day visit, Soeharto yesterday
expressed admiration at the beauty of the state capital of
Dresden and praised the congruous developments Sachsen has made
in balancing industry and natural art.
Located in the eastern half of Germany, the state of Sachsen
has a population of about five-million and borders Poland and the
Czech republic.
Dubbed "Florence on the Elbe", Dresden has long been known as
one of Germany's cultural centers.
The president remarked that such a harmonious development
could become an inspiration to Indonesia.
"All this inspires us who are endeavoring to build a modern
society while still holding firm to our own traditional values,"
he said.
For such a reason the president believed that industry and
culture could become a solid foundation between Indonesia and
Germany, especially in Sachsen.
After four packed days in Germany, Soeharto's itinerary
yesterday slowed up with a brief tour of the Zwinger museum in
the morning and a reception in the evening.
During a meeting with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl on
Tuesday, the two heads of government both stated their common
concern with the continuing ascent of the Japanese yen vis a vis
the United States dollar, a phenomenon known as Yendaka.
Indonesia is being hit hard by yendaka given that over 40
percent of its foreign debts are in yen. Germany too is feeling
the effects, as the value of its currency slides against the
dollar.
Apart from the current international monetary situation, the
two leaders also briefed each other on the latest developments in
the former Yugoslav republic.
According to Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, the German
Chancellor fully supports Soeharto's initiative in seeking a
comprehensive solution to the civil war.
Soeharto launched his peace initiative for the former
Yugoslavia during his visit to Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
This morning the president and an entourage which includes
Moerdiono, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas and the Chief
Executive Assistant of the Non-Aligned Movement Nana Sutresna
will depart Germany for a three-day visit to Kazakhstan. (mds)