GERMANY - INDONESIA SET TO BOOST PARTNERSHIP
The Jakarta Post - February 26, 2008With the world's attention turned sharply toward Asia, Germany said recently it was also focused on the world's fastest growing region.
Until recently, especially under Gerard Schroeder's government, Germany's focus was within Europe and on Russia and China.
But the present conservative government under Angela Merkel said it was necessary now to foster a stronger partnership with countries including Indonesia, India, South Korea, Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.
Germany recently described Southeast Asia as "one of the most dynamic regions in the world" at the EU-ASEAN Summit, held last year in Singapore.
And German Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday for a three-day trip to help boost Germany's relations with Indonesia, the German Embassy's first secretary for press affairs Anja Wallau told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
During his stay in Jakarta, Steinmeier will meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda and ASEAN's new Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, Anja said.
"Discussions will focus on bilateral relations, regional topics, and cooperation on international and global issues, including climate change, energy supply and the fight against poverty," the German Embassy said in a press release.
Steinmeier is a law professor and is set also visit the German International School.
The historic visit and its mission, which should see him also in Singapore and Vietnam, is a surprise move away from China.
Germany said it feels the trajectory of high economic growth may not be sustainable in the longer term without a strong democratic foundation in China.
The country said it was also committed to promoting global democracy, rule of law, human rights and press freedom.
With its 230 million people and its democratic credentials, Indonesia could fit well into Germany's foreign policy strategy.
Bilateral trade reached $3.48 billion in 2006, a slight decrease from $3.56 billion in 2005. But in 2007, experts said it may surpass the $4 billion mark.
Source: The Jakarta Post - www.thejakartapost.com