Ambassador: 2013 is themostdynamic relation for Indonesia-Belarus

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesia developed more dynamic relations with the Republic of Belarus in 2013, Indonesian Ambassador to the Federation of Russia and the Republic of Belarus Djauhari Oratmangun stated.

"Besides celebrating the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, both nations also significantly increased their ties in 2013," Oratmangun emphasized in an electronic message to Antara on Wednesday.

He noted that one of the key indicators of the improved dynamic relationship between the two countries was marked by Belorussian President Aleksandr Lukashenkos visit to Indonesia last March. The Belorussian President was accompanied by a delegation of high state officials.

The two states recorded two-way trade of 84.3 million USD in 2013, which is up 68 percent from 50.2 million USD in 2012. According to the ambassador, Indonesia is the biggest trade partner of Belarus in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In the meantime, Belorussian Deputy Foreign Minister Valentin Rybkov agreed that during this year, the relations between the two countries have significantly improved.

"The two nations agree to further strengthen their relations and existing cooperation, including realization of their commitment by signing several bilateral agreements during President Lukashenkos visit to Indonesia," Rybakov added.

Besides government relations, the relations of both nations also gained significant progress in the economic sector.

"During 2013, Belorussian Potsh Company supplied some 250 thousand tons of fertilizers to Indonesia," he noted.

Both nations cooperation in the field of research also increased, particularly in the metallurgy sector. A cooperation agreement was signed between the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and the National Academy of Science of Belarus during the later part of 2012.