Soeharto briefs Chiluba on East Timor situation

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has briefed visiting Zambian President Frederick J.T. Chiluba on the history and latest development in East Timor.

The President explained the situation to Chiluba after he raised the issue during 90-minute talks at Merdeka Palace, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday.

"We hope that the Zambian President will have a more comprehensive understanding of East Timor after receiving first- hand information from President Soeharto," he said.

Chiluba arrived here Thursday for a four-day state visit to strengthen trade and economic relations with Indonesia.

In their talks yesterday, the two heads of state agreed to boost bilateral trade relations, which are mostly conducted through Tanzania.

"The trade volume between the two countries is still very small but we see a bright future," Moerdiono said.

Indonesia's exports to the landlocked country in 1996 were only US$872,000, mostly in garments, footwear, instant noodles and electronics. The nation's imports reached $8 million.

Zambia, formerly known as Rhodesia, exported copper, leather, tobacco and metal goods. No monetary figures were available.

Moerdiono said Indonesia was interested to learn about Zambia's tourist industry and how the nation managed their national parks.

"Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication Joop Ave is surprised that tourists visiting Zambia spent more money than tourists visiting Indonesia," he said.

Indonesian ministers were more surprised when their Zambian counterparts disclosed that they bought Indonesian products from Indonesian inang-inang, a reference to female Batak traders who regularly visit the country.

"These women have exported our products, including ketchup, soap and instant noodles," the officials said. "This is very encouraging for us."

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas and his counterpart, Zambia's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amusaa K. Mwanamwambwa, signed yesterday an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the two countries.

Last night, President Soeharto hosted a banquet to honor Chiluba and his wife, Vera. During the banquet Soeharto reiterated his hope that the two countries would have better trade links in the future.

Today Chiluba will visit PT Texmaco, a textile factory in Karawang, West Java, before leaving for Bali in the afternoon.

After an overnight rest, the Zambian guests will return to their country. (prb)