TEMPO.CO, New York – The Indonesian government officially opened diplomatic relations with the Republic of Malawi on Monday. Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa and Malawi’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister George Thapatula Chaponda signed a joint communique on the relations at UN Headquarters in New York during the 69th UN General Assembly.
“Today is a historical day as Indonesia and Malawi officially open diplomatic relations to cultivate friendship and cooperation between both countries and nations,” said Marty on Tuesday in New York.
Several potential cooperation can be achieved after opening diplomatic relations, such as cooperation in economy and trade. Both ministers have started mulling possibilities to bring together business communities in trade and industry exhibitions. They are also attempting to realize sustainable development through MDGs post-2015 development agenda framework. In politics, Marty encourages both countries to give concrete support in the Palestine issue.
Thapatula welcomed the opening of the diplomatic relations and invited Marty to visit Malawi. “The opening of diplomatic relations is important to enhance the quality of relations between both countries. For that, we invite Foreign Minister Marty to come to Malawi to develop potential cooperation with Malawi,” he said.
Thapatula further said that Malawi focused on environmental issues and trade and supported the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Indonesia has had diplomatic relations with 186 UN members from the total 193 countries. The House of Representatives approve diplomatic relations with 21 UN state members in 2010.
From 2011 to 2014, diplomatic relations were established with 17 countries: Mauritania, El Salvador, San Marino, Montenegro, the Dominican Republic, Niger, Sao Tome and Principe, Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan, Botswana, Tuvalu, Haiti, Nauru, Kiribati, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Belize and Malawi.
NATALIA SANTI
