Indonesian Embassy arranged a magnificent ceremony to celebrate the 64th Independence Day of Indonesia and people from diplomatic corps, political, military and bureaucratic circles, civil society attended the function.
The gathering was hosted by the Indonesian Ambassador Ishak Latuconisna and his wife Butar Latuconisna, who reactivated this wonderful way to further strengthen the understanding and friendship between the two brotherly countries, Pakistan and Indonesia. Federal Minister for Environment Hameedullah Jan Afridi was chief guest on the occasion who along with Indonesian Ambassador and other guests cut the magnificently designed cake having flags of two countries on topping.
The traditional Indonesian food, beverages and other entertainment was main attraction for the guests, who were served with the variety of Indonesian traditional and Pakistani foods and specially prepared sweets, and confectionery. The national anthem of Indonesia and Pakistan were played in the function. Promoting the social and cultural ties between Indonesia and Pakistan was the main thrust of the ceremony.
In his message Indonesian envoy said that the Independence day is a day of great significance for a living nation. It provides opportunity to look back at the achievements of the past and to revitalise the energies to attain the goals of prosperity and peace.
"Today we try to give meaning to diversity, to liberty, and to sacrifices we all have to make. It is these values that are firmly believed in Indonesia and Pakistan and both countries share commonality of interests and goals and have worked hard to achieve them", he said.
Indonesia has over 220 million people and is the fourth most populous nation in the world. It is the world's largest Muslim population and also the world's largest Archipelago State, having the largest maritime territorial jurisdiction in the region. It is strategically located between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean which means that our coastal area becomes host to international shipping and navigation which are vital for commercial and strategic well being of the trade dependent countries in the region, the envoy maintained. Indonesia is a big market with a thriving middle class and open society, a large labour force, immense natural resources and sound infrastructure, he added.
Realising its regional and geographic importance as the largest country in the South East Asian region, Indonesia is heavily involved in the search for peace and stability regionally and globally. Indonesia believes in peaceful coexistence and interaction of civilisations for the promotion of global peace and it supports all efforts in this regard.
Indonesia is a founding member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has promoted policies of international co-operation, good neighbourliness and conflict settlements. Indonesia is also a staunch supporter of all peace initiatives to reduce tension in South Asia. Indonesia believes that only peaceful settlement of regional disputes through negotiations could create a peaceful environment in this region. It would not only boost the economy of the countries situated in this region but would also bring prosperity for their people.
The bright prospects and prosperous futures of the Indonesia-Pakistan friendship and partnership. Two countries are committed to raise the bilateral trade volume up to $.1billion between the two countries. Both the countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEP) and now the negotiations are underway to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). There are opportunities for greater use of available potential of the interaction with mutual economic and technical assistance.
Being the developing countries, Indonesia and Pakistan can enhance co-operation with developed countries in various fields by exchanging experiences, skills and information. Pakistan could go a long way in developing industries and explore new avenues of mutual co-operation with Indonesia. Indonesia has a global outlook and welcome investment from every corner of the world. Today, Indonesia is attaching special importance to developing and expanding bilateral trade and there are good opportunities of investment in all areas.
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