I am pleased to join my fellow Indonesians across the nation and around the world in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. On this happy occasion, I would also like to extend my heartiest felicitations to the government and the people of Pakistan upon the 58th anniversary of the Independence Day being celebrated recently on August 14, 2005.
The Indonesian independence was proclaimed sixty years ago, on 17 August 1945, by Soekarno-Hatta on behalf of the Indonesian nation, breaking the shackles of colonialism and freeing the Indonesian people. The independence day is a day of great significance for a living nation. Today we try to give meaning to diversity, to liberty, and to sacrifices we all have to make.
Indonesia and Pakistan have been enjoying exemplary friendly ties since the beginning of the diplomatic relations based on trust and mutual understanding. Both the countries share commonality of interests and goals and have worked hard to achieve them.
Our task is to maintain and develop the potential of this partnership for the good of the two nations, for the sake of international security and economic growth. Besides, the people of the two countries love and respect each other, which is a must for the promotion of long lasting relations.
In this regard, I would especially like to mention here the tremendous support from our Pakistani friends after the Tsunami disaster. The pains of our affected brothers and sisters are felt by the Pakistani nation. We are heartened by the response of our Pakistani friends as they support, comfort and sympathise with us.
At that crucial time, the Pakistani friends from all walks of life including children and students donated cash and kind and expressed deep sympathy with the victims of the great disaster, which really moved our hearts and provided us strength at this difficult time.
Our people are still reeling from the destruction of homes, property and infrastructure caused by Tsunami and the readiness with which the Pakistani people moved to help is commendable.
Having been gifted with the solid foundation of trust and mutual respect, I believe, it is the time for our two countries to accelerate the pace of co-operation and to bridge the gap in various fields by giving special emphasis to the economic ties for the benefit of our people. The basis of our partnership lies in the commonality of national interests, religious bonds, cultural similarities and mutual trust.
The economic ties and bilateral co-operation between Indonesia and Pakistan have continued to strengthen over the years, supported by the state visits of the respective Presidents and by various bilateral agreements. The Asia-Africa Conference held recently in Bandung in April 2005, was a significant landmark and paved the way for the achievement of these objectives.
On this occasion, the President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had a one-on-one meeting with President Musharraf and discussed the measures to expedite the existing pace of co-operation especially in the economic field. Keeping in view the importance of regional co-operation, the main focus of the discussion was to further enhance and explore new avenues of co-operation at all levels in the light of Summit Declaration.
After this fruitful discussion, the negotiations are underway to expedite the efforts to find ways to enhance and strengthen co-operative ties between the two countries.
Indonesia has a global outlook. We trade with the world and welcome investment from every corner of it. There are opportunities for greater use of available potential of the interaction with mutual economic and technical assistance. There are good opportunities for expanding mutually beneficial trade and investment in all areas.
Especially, Pakistan could go a long way in developing industries and explore new avenues of mutual co-operation with Indonesia. Today, Indonesia is attaching special importance to developing and expanding bilateral trade and investment.
We are aware that economic security must be achieved because it is a pre-requisite for stability and prosperity. We are celebrating this day by re-dedicating our efforts all across our nation towards achieving economic security for our people and our nation.
The democratic culture and values are becoming stronger and stronger in the country as well. We, the Indonesians, are responsible for ensuring that we are able to respond to similar challenges to our peace, safety and security. At this time as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary, we renew our commitment to work hard for freedom, development and prosperity which are only won and preserved at the price of vigilance, care and preparedness.
Equality, individual rights, life, freedom, opportunity: we still cherish these values, and we must continue to reaffirm them daily. We have a stable democratic government and a strong social system that reinforces peace, respect and co-operation among the people.
Turning to international arena, Indonesia enjoys a respectable place in the community of nations and has taken charge of its responsibilities to promote its interests on the world stage. Indonesia plays an important role at the regional and international levels in addressing deep concerns and challenging issues, which are threat to world peace.
Indonesia adheres to an independent and active foreign policy, is a founding member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has promoted policies of international co-operation, good neighbourliness, regionalism and conflict settlements.
To conclude, I once again reiterate that corporate sector of Indonesia and Pakistan should realise their true potential and should expand collaboration with a new vigour and vision. Keeping in view the importance of economic prosperity for our people, there is need to accelerate the efforts to explore the new opportunities by sharing the experiences, information and expertise in all sectors.
Indonesia is one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment due to its liberal investment policies and regulatory frameworks. I hope that the corporate sector of Pakistan will utilise the opportunities of investment in Indonesia.
I am confident that our good and harmonious relations will continue to strengthen and gain new heights in future. I pray to Allah Almighty for the fulfilment of our vision, the fulfilment of our dreams, and the realisation of our ambitions for the mutual benefit of our two brother countries.
Long live friendship and brotherhood of Indonesia and Pakistan.
Indonesia-Pakistan dosti zinda bad.