TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia developed more dynamic relations with the Republic of Belarus in 2013, Indonesian Ambassador to the Federation of Russia and the Republic of Belarus Djauhari Oratmangun stated.
"Besides celebrating the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, both nations also significantly increased their ties in 2013," Oratmangun emphasized in an electronic message to Antara here on Wednesday, reports Antara News.
He noted that one of the key indicators of the improved dynamic relationship between the two countries was marked by Belorussian President Aleksandr Lukashenkos visit to Indonesia last March. The Belorussian President was accompanied by a delegation of high state officials.
The two states also recorded a significant increase in cooperation in the field of economy and trade. But, the figure has yet to reflect the real potential of their cooperation.
According to the ambassador, Indonesia is the biggest trade partner of Belarus in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The two states recorded two-way trade of US$84.3 million in 2013, which is up 68 percent from US$50.2 million in 2012.
"During 2013, Belorussian Potsh Company supplied some 250 thousand tons of fertilizers to Indonesia," noted the Belorussian Deputy Foreign Minister Valentin Rybkov.
Both nations cooperation in the field of research also increased, particularly in the metallurgy sector. A cooperation agreement was signed between the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and the National Academy of Science of Belarus during the later part of 2012.
ANTARA
