Statement To The Press By The President Of India In Jakarta

Following is the Press Statement of the President of india, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in Jakarta following her meeting with the President of Indonesia:-

"Excellency Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,  
Good Morning  
I and my delegation are deeply touched by the warmth and friendship we received here.

Indonesia is a country with whom we have had a long historical and cultural association. Our leaders, President Sukarno and Prime Minister Nehru cooperated closely during our respective struggles for independence and laid the foundation of an enduring friendship between the two countries.

My visit to your beautiful country is to emphasise the strong ties that exist between our two countries who share a maritime boundary and the largest pluralistic democracies of Asia.

The Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a New Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia concluded during the visit of President Yudhoyono to India in November 2005 underlines the importance that we attach to our bilateral relations. My present visit is in pursuance of this Partnership.

I have had extended discussions with President Yudhoyono on the state of our bilateral relations and our cooperation in multilateral fora. On both accounts while we are satisfied with the level of engagement, we seek to further intensify our collaboration. Our points of view, objectives and approaches are similar on many issues.

As two vibrant democracies which embody the concept of unity in diversity, we face similar situations and challenges. Indonesia and India have both been the targets of terrorists. The recent brutal attacks in India are the handiwork of those who have no regard for human life and whose designs are to disrupt the progress of nations and peace in societies.

The incident has reinforced the determination of India to fight resolutely against the threats of terrorism. India will take all steps necessary to deal with the menace and will also work jointly with the international community. I would like to thank the Government of Indonesia for their strong condemnation of the incident and for the solidarity expressed with India.

Our two countries are committed to give substance and content to the New Strategic Partnership and in this context, impart higher political and strategic dimensions to our bilateral relations. The trade and economic aspect of our partnership provide a critical underpinning to the edifice of our relations.

During our meeting today, we resolved to work for increasing bilateral trade and investment. We are pleased that our trade is growing at a healthy rate and has reached US$ 6.5 billion in 2007. We are well on our way to realizing the target of US$ 10 billion in trade turnover by 2010.

It is also heartening to note that a number of companies from both countries are establishing new joint ventures covering the textiles, steel, banking, automotive and resources sectors.

I am confident that as a consequence of the discussions that President Yudhoyono and I have had today, relations between India and Indonesia will in the coming period develop and diversify into new areas. Regular interaction at the highest political level is an important component of our evolving Strategic Partnership. I have invited President Yudhoyono to India and we look forward to his visit.

Before I conclude, I would like to thank President Yudhoyono, the Government and people of Indonesia for the friendship and warm hospitality that my delegation has received since our arrival here. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey greetings and best wishes from the people of India to the people of Indonesia.

Thank You".