Press Conference SBY

Joint Statement Invigorating Indonesia-Kazakhstan Relations Over the Coming Decade

JOINT STATEMENT INVIGORATING INDONESIA-KAZAKHSTAN RELATIONS OVER THE COMING DECADE 


1. The President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono welcomed the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Nursultan Nazarbayev who made a State Visit to Indonesia on 12-14 April, 2012. The two leaders noted with satisfaction that it has passed two decades since Indonesia’s recognition of the independence of Kazakhstan in December 1991, and agreed to hold a series of solemn events in both countries, timed to coincide with 20 years of bilateral diplomatic relations, which were established on 2 June 1993.

2. On 13th April 2012, the two heads of state held extensive talks on relevant bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest. Taking into account that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries has a great potential for further development, both leaders agreed that active interaction in various formats should be more intensified including inter alia but not limited to thereto, in the sectors of energy, trade, industry and investment to serve the purpose of national development priorities, particularly, the implementation of the Master Plan for Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesia Economic Development 2011-2025, and the Strategy of Kazakhstan’s Development 2030, including the State Program of Forced Industrial-Innovative Development 2010-2014. The two leaders agreed that both countries should particularly increase the bilateral trade volume and have therefore set the bilateral trade target of US$100 million within next 5 years. 

3. Agreeing that the increase of contacts and exchange of delegations at all levels will contribute to a dynamic development of relations between the two countries, both Presidents noted with satisfaction the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Visa Exemption for Diplomatic and Service Passports Holders, as well as the Letter of Intent on Bilateral Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. 

4. President Nursultan Nazarbayev and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also shared the view on the need to further promote cooperation in the sphere of Islamic banking, education, tourism as well as military technical cooperation. In order to help fulfill the full potential of bilateral cooperation, both Presidents welcomed the intention of national air carriers of both countries to study the opportunity of establishing direct flights between Almaty and Denpasar, Bali. 

5. In order to comply with the dynamic regional and global political and economic processes, both heads of state reaffirmed their political commitment to strengthen the bilateral relations for achieving sustainable progress and prosperity of the two countries, particularly in the fields of energy security and food security. 

6. Considering the growing threats and the modern high level of transnational organized crimes, the two heads of state decided to develop effective counter measures to address those crimes, enhance interaction and cooperation between law enforcement agencies of both countries to prevent and combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors. 

7. Both Presidents, sharing the conviction that prosperity, justice and democracy, are elements conducive in making universal peace, expressed their interest to exert joint efforts to further the Interfaith Dialogue mechanism, the Bali Democracy Forum and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. 

8. The two heads of state also acknowledged that Indonesia and Kazakhstan are supporters of the global democratic development, promotion of positive image of Islam as well as disarmament and non-proliferation to create peaceful prospects of regional and global development and provide general prosperity and justice. Both leaders confirmed to be partners in sharing responsibility in their efforts to promote multiculturalism, pluralism and diversity, as well as in responding to global and regional challenges. 

9. The visit of President Nursultan Nazarbayev was also marked by the formal opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Indonesia, following the formal opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the Republic of Kazakhstan in December 2010. The appointment of heads of diplomatic mission at the Ambassadorial level will be made prior to the celebration of 20 years of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2013. 

10. President Nursultan Nazarbayev and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono came to a conclusion that their bilateral talks have a historic significance in the efforts to enhance the bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples. 

11. President Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed his appreciation and gratitude to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the people of Indonesia, for the extraordinarily warm welcome and hospitality during his visit. 

12. President Nursultan Nazarbayev invited President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to make a return State Visit to Kazakhstan in 2013, timed to coincide with 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono accepted the invitation with sincere appreciation. 

Jakarta, 13th April 2012