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25 March 2009 The governments of Indonesia and
Libya recently agreed to expand their existing
collaboration. An MoU between the two countries was
recently signed by Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda
and Libyan Secretary of Social Affairs, Ibrahim A.M.
Al Sharif, in Yogyakarta yesterday. "The value trade
between Indonesia and Libya trades so far amounts to
only US$400 million. This is far from the potential
that can be achieved by both countries," Hassan said.
Meanwhile, according to Ibrahim, Libya will pave the
way for Indonesia to develop cooperation with African
countries that have had good relations with Libya,
given Libya's active support in the development of
member countries of the African Union, currently led
by Muammar Al-Qathafi. "We will open wide these
opportunities," Ibrahim said.
Ibrahim also said that the meeting opened the way for
both countries to improve collaboration in all
sectors. Hassan concurred, saying Indonesia had been
collaborating with Libya in global affairs, such as
when it was a temporary member of the United Nations'
Security Council two years ago.
Hassan said Indonesian companies have a US$1.2 billion
stake in Libya's infrastructure and construction
projects. Libya is very interested in improving
bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, culture,
social programs, education and youth. "Libya will be
wide open to Indonesian investors," he said.
Hassan also said that Libya is interested in buying
airplanes manufactured by PT Dirgantara Indonesia in
Bandung. In order to follow up on the Yogyakarta
meeting, the Indonesian Trade Minister will visit
Libya on April 3 for further discussions.
Moreover, as fellow members of the Organization of
Islamic Conference (OIC), Indonesia and Libya have
been cooperating in seeking a peaceful solution to the
decade-long conflict in South Philippines between the
Philippines government and Moro rebels.
"Libya is a very influential country in Africa and the
Middle East, while Indonesian has the same standing in
Asia, particularly Southeast Asia," Hassan said.
The role of the two countries, according to Hassan,
can also lead to wider cooperation between Asian and
African countries. |
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