FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER INSPECTS WOC INFRASTRUCTURE IN MANADO

Manado, North Sulawesi, May 9 (ANTARA) - Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda here on Saturday inspected a number of infrastructure facilities built to support the implementation of the World Ocean Conference (WOC).

Minister Wirajuda was accompanied by North Sulawesi Governor Sarundajang during his first stop at Peninsula Hotel where President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be staying.

Peninsula Hotel which is located in the heart of the city, will also host several side events to be organized coinciding with the WOC (May 11-14) and the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Summit on May 15.

The minister later visited Sedona Hotel, Grand Kawanua City Hotel (GKIC) which accommodates Convention Hall, the venue of the WOC and CTI Summit, and Novotel Hotel.

Minister Wirajuda said the condition of the infrastructure was adequate for an international event to be attended by few thousands participants from tens of countries.

Manado will also host an International Symposium on Ocean Science, Technology and Policy, on May 12-14, a Global Ocean Policy Day on May 13, and an International Ocean Science, Technology and Industry Exhibition, May 11-15, coinciding with the WOC.

He reminded the organizers to serve delegates participating in the events well.

The minister hoped that the WOC in Manado would also encourage other regions to hold international events for the promotion of the regional tourism.

***3***