Indonesia - Libya to Expand Collaboration

Thursday, 26 March, 2009 | 09:16 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Yogyakarta:The governments of Indonesia and Libya recently agreed to expand their existing collaboration. An MoU between the two countries was recently signed by Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda and Libyan Social Affairs Minister, Ibrahim A.M. Al Sharif, in Yogyakarta yesterday. “The value trade between Indonesia and Libya trades so far amounts to only US$400 million. This is far from the potential that can be achieved by both countries,” Hassan said.

Hassan said Indonesian companies have a US$ 1.2 billion stake in Libya’s infrastructure and construction projects. Libya is very interested in improving bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, culture, social programs, education and youth. “Libya will be wide open to Indonesian investors,” he said.

Hassan also said that Libya is interested in buying airplanes manufactured by PT Dirgantara Indonesia in Bandung. In order to follow up on the Yogyakarta meeting, the Indonesian Trade Minister will visit Libya on April 3 for further discussions.

Meanwhile, according to Ibrahim, Libya will also pave the way for Indonesia to develop cooperation with African countries that have had good relations with Libya, given Libya’s active support in the development of member countries of the African Union, currently led by Libyan President, Col. Mohammar Khadafi. “We will open wide these opportunities,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim also said that the meeting opened the way for both countries to improve collaboration in all sectors. Hassan concurred, saying Indonesia had been collaborating with Libya in global affairs, such as when it was a temporary member of the United Nations’ Security Council two years ago.

Moreover, as fellow members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Indonesia and Libya have been cooperating in seeking a peaceful solution to the decade-long conflict in South Philippines between the Philippines government and Moro rebels. “Libya is a very influential country in Africa and the Middle East, while Indonesian has the same standing in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia,” Hassan said.

The role of the two countries, according to Hassan, can also lead to wider cooperation between Asian and African countries.

MUH SYAIFULLAH