Indonesia Attends Eastern Economic Forum for First Time
Jakarta. Indonesia attended Russia's Eastern Economic Forum for the first time ever in Vladivostok on Wednesday, represented by National Development and Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro.
"He [Bambang] is taking part on the ministerial level, and is a speaker in several sessions. We are happy that Indonesia is well-represented in this forum," Russia's ambassador to Indonesia, Lyudmila G. Vorobieva, said at the Russian Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday.
This year's forum in Vladivostok is its fifth edition. Unlike other Russian economic forums, the EEF is specially dedicated to Asia-Pacific countries.
"We want to promote our cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific. Every year the forum is getting bigger and it's a big promotional opportunity for Indonesia," Vorobieva said.
The ambassador also revealed that Russia's President Vladimir Putin is planning to visit Indonesia early next year.
She said a block of documents is waiting to be signed by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and President Putin.
"We have a big package of documents to be signed during the president's visit. It will mark a new stage in the relations between Russia and Indonesia," she said.
In March last year, Indonesia and Russia had agreed to accelerate the drafting of a strategic partnership agreement, but since then the plan has stalled.
Russia and Indonesia have already signed off on a construction project in Kalimantan handled by Russian Railways.
The ambassador also said Russia is ready to assist if Indonesia is interested in developing a nuclear power plant.
The two countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.
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