ID :
375979
Sat, 08/01/2015 - 15:51
Auther :

Indonesia, Turkey agree to intensify economic cooperation

Jakarta, Aug 1 (Antara) -- The governments of Indonesia and Turkey have agreed to intensify economic cooperation, particularly in bilateral trade activities. "Yes, we held a lengthy discussion on efforts to strengthen our economic relations and ways to establish more trade ties," Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla said after holding a meeting with Turkish President Racep Tayyip Erdogan at Ritz Carlton Hotel here on Saturday. The two countries will also reaffirm investment commitments, he added. "Regarding the defense industry, yesterday, (President) Joko Widodo (and President Erdogan) discussed the subject. Later, the trade commission will talk about the realization of a joint industry," he remarked. Bilateral trade between Indonesia and its strategic partner, Turkey, amounted to US$2.5 billion in 2014, with Indonesia enjoying a surplus of US$415 million. While Indonesia's exports to Turkey include natural rubber, synthetic fiber, palm oil, and footwear, its imports from Turkey include flour and electrical products, among others. Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Turkey were established 65 years ago, dating back to 1950. President Erdogan's visit to Indonesia began on July 30. He held a bilateral meeting with Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on July 31 to discuss several subjects of priority, including cooperation in the fields of economy, education, and defense. "Cooperation in the military equipment sector and small shipbuilding industries will be realized immediately," Jokowi affirmed after the meeting with Erdogan. He added that during the meeting, they had focused on subjects related to the economy, including identifying ways to eliminate trade barriers and realize free trade. "We just set a target of settling the issues this year. We also discussed bureaucratic problems," the president pointed out. In addition, Jokowi stated that both nations will cooperate in the development of power plants fueled by natural gas as well as introduce a direct flight between Turkey and Indonesia to boost tourism. "We also agreed to open a direct flight for the Turkey-Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta-Denpasar route to boost tourism and cargo shipments between Indonesia and Turkey," he remarked. The head of state further noted that they decided to establish a joint commission to explore existing potential in the two countries.

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