RI, Britain Discuss Bilateral Cooperation

Jakarta, Jan 29 (Antara) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa received his British counterpart William Hague, here on Wednesday, to discuss the efforts to step up bilateral cooperation. "We had a fruitful discussion on ways to improve bilateral cooperation in a number of strategic fields for interstate welfare in the region," Marty stated. He explained that the British foreign minister`s visit to Indonesia was a follow up of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s visit to Britain in 2012, in order to improve intensive bilateral relations between the two countries. "In 2012, British Prime Minister David Cameron visited Indonesia, and during the same year, President Yudhoyono made a reciprocal visit to Britain," Marty explained. He noted that the visits by the leaders of the two countries were aimed at stepping up significant bilateral cooperation across various fields, including trade, investment, education, environment and democracy among other things. "Indonesia and Britain form a strong partnership in the effort to improve economic welfare, democracy, good governance and international peace and security," Marty pointed out. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister William Hague explained that his visit to Indonesia was to review the cooperation between Indonesia and Britain and to discuss global issues of common concern. "I am very glad to have visited Indonesia, which mainly was a follow up of the historic visit to Britain by President Yudhoyono in 2012. Both our countries have a lot in common, and I am here to focus my attention on the values of the equation," Hague explained. He added that as strong partners in various international forums, Indonesia and Britain need to discuss efforts to improve bilateral relations and other special issues.