Indonesian Ambassador Presents Credentials

Indonesian Ambassador Presents Credentials

The new Indonesian Ambassador to Solomon Islands Andreas Sitepu has presented his credentials to the Governor General His Excellency Sir Frank Kabui in Honiara today.

Speaking at the occasion at Government House, Ambassador Sitepu said the Government of Indonesia hails the outstanding relationship with Solomon Islands which was established in 1983 based on mutual respect to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ambassador Sitepu said Indonesia regards Solomon Islands as a potentially important partner in building connectivity to the South Pacific region based on Indonesia’s “Look East Policy” to strengthen ties with the Pacific.

On the other hand, Ambassador Sitepu said Solomon Islands could also rely on Indonesia as its stepping stone for expanding relations with Asian countries based on Solomon’s “Look North Policy”.

“In this case Indonesia and Solomon Islands have a strong reason to work together synergically in various fields of cooperation,” Ambassador Sitepu said.
Ambassador Sitepu further added that the two countries have a lot of opportunities to advance due to shared similarities such as climate change, culture and marine resources which could be taken as basis for further cooperation.

In response, the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui acknowledges the ongoing warm relations between the two countries for the last 28 years.

“I am confident that this relationship will continue to grow with strength and focus, upholding already existing mutual respect between our two countries. Our Government’s policy of “Looking North” does coincide neatly with your country’s policy of “Looking East.” Sir Frank said.

Sir Frank added the benefits to be derived from the interaction between each other’s respective policy stand can be very fruitful through mutual bilateral engagement and understanding between the countries.

Sir Frank said the Asian Region has much to offer in terms of trade, education, technology and so on adding that Indonesia, being a member of ASEAN is a logical stepping-stone to Asia.

“Globalization makes it inevitable for countries to co-operate in many things aimed at producing mutual benefits. International trade is the catalyst in this regard”.

“We do appreciate the continuous assistance offered by your Government to us in the form of scholarship and training in the field of human resources development. We will continue to give you our support in carrying out your duties as Ambassador accredited to Solomon Islands,” Sir Frank said.
Ambassador Sitepu is based in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea.

ENDS

© Scoop Media