TEMPO.CO, Vientiane - Laos and Indonesia and exploring the possibility of having direct flights from Jakarta to Vientiane to boost direct trade between the two countries. This idea was discussed in The Fourth Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) between Indonesia and Laos.
"The relations between Indonesia and Laos in the last two years are at a promising point," Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said during his meeting with Laos Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on Wednesday.
In 2012, the trade value between the two countries reached US$27 million, jumping 300 percent compared to the previous year's $9.9 million.
"In the future, we should push for a direct trade between Indonesia and Laos," Marty stated.
In his speech, Marty highlighted three priorities in strengthening the cooperation between Indonesia and Laos as presented by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; trade and investment, agriculture and education.
In addition to bilateral issues, the two foreign ministers also discussed regional issues, particularly the preparation to face the ASEAN Community.
The JCBC is a strategic forum for the two ministers to evaluate progresses, identify new opportunities and overcome obstacles in advancing the cooperation between the two countries.
NATALIA SANTI
