19 August 2008

Official Remarks
By
His Excellency Mr. Leonardus Widayatmo
Ambassador of
of the Republic Of Indonesia
At the Diplomatic Reception to Commemorate
the 63rd Anniversary of the Independence Day of
the Republic of Indonesia 17 August 2008
Windhoek,  19 Agustus 2008

                

Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly,
Honorable Chairperson of the National Council,
Honorable Member of Parliaments,
Honorable Ministers and Deputy Ministers present here,
Honorable Governor of Khomas Region,
His Worship the Mayor of the City of Windhoek,
Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Captain of Industries,
Distinguished Guests and Colleagues,
Members of the Media,
Members of the Indonesian community in Windhoek,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a distinct privilege and great pleasure for me to welcome you this afternoon. The presence of each and everyone here is truly a reflection of your kind and warm appreciation towards our country, particularly as we commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the birth of our nation.

This year also marks the 18th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Namibia. The historical ties between Indonesia and Namibia, particularly on the common challenges and experiences of colonialism and suppression have bonded us on many levels, through various cooperation in multilateral as well as bilateral level.

Excellencies; Fellow Diplomatic Corps;

On the multilateral level, let me start with a review of our relations, particularly in the context of Asian-African relations. We note with satisfaction that since Asian-African Conference in 1955 in Indonesia, many Asian-African countries have attained significant political, social and economic advances, including Namibia. However, after 50 years since the Conference progress has somewhat been limited to only a few of them, for example the Palestinian people who remain deprived of their right for independence.

In this connection and in line with the support for the struggle of the Palestinian people to establish sovereign state in their own homeland, Indonesia and South Africa as Co-chairs of the New Asian African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) jointly hosted the NAASP Ministerial Conference on Capacity Building, in Indonesia on 14 and 15 July 2008. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Government of Namibia for supporting and participating in this Conference, which was represented by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Namibia, Hon. Lempy Lucas.

Besides political matters, Indonesia and Namibia has been working together on other various challenges such as the problem of climate change. In this regard, Indonesia and Namibia along with 150 countries around the world, concluded the Bali Road Map as a forward looking decision to tackle climate change in the 13th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Third Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. Namibia was represented by the former Minister of Environment and tourism of Namibia, Honorable Willem Konjore.

Furthermore, Indonesia and Namibia, has also joined other countries in the global fight against corruption by participating in the Second Conference of the State Parties of the UN Convention against Corruption, which was held in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, early this year.  Namibia was represented by the Deputy Minister of Justice, Hon. Uutoni Nujoma, and the Director of the Anti-Corruption Commision of Namibia, Mr. Paulus Noa.

Cooperation in multilateral level between Indonesia and Namibia also include the efforts to control the trans boundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal. In this matter, Indonesia was entrusted by the United Nation to host the Ninth Meting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, held in Bali, in June this year, and Namibia was represented by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Leon Jooste.

Excellency,

The Government of Indonesia is fully aware of the importance of a concerted effort in order to address many issues faced by middle-income countries that may bring stagnation to the social and economic progress already achieved and hamper the future growth. We applaud the Government of Namibia’s initiative to convene the 3rd International Conference on Development Cooperation with Middle-Income Countries on 4 – 6 August 2008, here in Windhoek, and we also welcome the Windhoek Declaration which reflects the important role of MICs.

The successfully held conference was attended by many Government’s representatives, including the delegation from Indonesia which was represented by the Deputy Minister of the National Development Planning Agency of the Republic of Indonesia.

Captain of Industries; Ladies and Gentlemen;

In the bilateral level, we are indeed delighted of the development in the trade activities which indicated an increased of trade volume. We are fully acknowledged that the surge in the volume of trade, notably in the last two years, only to underline the importance of our participation in various trade fairs in Namibia.

Therefore, realizing the urgency in enhancing the economic and trade relation, the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Namibia are still putting their effort in concluding the Trade Agreement. We trust that with the Government of Namibia’s unceasing assistance, we would be able to finalize this important agreement.

Honorable Ministers; Ladies and Gentlemen;

As fellow developing country, Indonesia truly understands the difficulties and challenges faced by the Government of Namibia to improve the quality of education, the living standard of women and children in Namibia. Therefore, in the spirit of friendship and desire to help the less fortunate, the Embassy of Indonesia has continuously been providing support and assistance to various schools, projects, and organizations in all parts of Namibia.

In addition to that, within the context of human capacity building, it is our tremendous pleasure to mention that over the years, the Government of Indonesia has organized several training programs through the Third Country Training Program for African Region and offers them to fellow developing countries, including Namibia. The training programs offered ranging from microfinance, family planning, poverty reduction, agricultural engineering and technology as well as veterinary drug quality control. In this regard, we are very pleased of the positive response which constantly shown by the Government of Namibia by sending its representatives to the aforementioned training programs.

We truly believe that although in our endeavor to achieve what we wish for, we have to confront many challenges, but the reciprocal gesture to lend a helping hand, no matter how small or insignificant it may be, could lift some of the burdens.

Honorable Ministers; Ladies and Gentlemen’s;

Finally, may I take this opportunity to inform you that this year Indonesia celebrates 100 years of national awakening and, therefore, it is declared as “VISIT INDONESIA YEAR”.  During this festivity period, Indonesia introduces and promotes all aspects of Indonesia all over the world. In Namibia, we are showcasing a variety of Indonesian cultural performances in various events, such as during the Namibia Tourism Expo last May, at the Polytechnic International Cultural Festival early this month, and we will also present it today, that I hope could serve as bridge to strengthen the relationship of both countries founded by and based on mutual understanding.

With these few words, allow me now to invite you to raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the good health and happiness of the President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, to the progress of Namibian people and to the continuation of good friendship and close cooperation between Namibia and Indonesia.

I thank you.