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)