In the auspicious occasion of the 67th Independence day of the Republic of Indonesia, I am delighted to convey greetings to all Indonesian people living in Afghanistan and around the world. August 17th marks the National Day of the Republic of Indonesia, the time of which all Indonesians pay homage to the sacrifices of their great founding fathers, who laid the foundation of an independent homeland after long bravery struggle for freedom. Today sixty seven years ago, the great leaders of Indonesia courageously proclaimed the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
On this particular occasion, it is timely that we reflect and contemplate on what Indonesia has achieved so far, where we stand and what should be improved in times to come. As a country with around 250 million people, 17.000 islands, and thousands of ethnic groups, it is by all means not an easy task to manage and keep united. Nevertheless, 67 years have elapsed and up to the present Indonesia stands strong and keep growing and developing. Ups and downs have been passed through the history of Indonesia.
Economic meltdown, political turmoil and communal conflicts which threatened the unity of Indonesia have been experienced by the country. However, with the grace from Allah SWT, Indonesia has succeeded in navigating through the difficult times and transformed itself into a more stable, prosperous and democratic country. As the world’s largest Muslim population, we prove that Islam is compatible with democracy and modernity. Indonesia now enjoys a strong status as a considerable economy in the world and a member of G-20.
At this time of solemn celebration, we vow to keep on working to promote stability and peace around the world. Indonesia actively follows the policy of peaceful co-existence with its neighbours. Adhering to the principle of an independence and peaceful foreign policy, Indonesia has also been an active member of many regional and international organizations and frameworks. A string of initiatives, such as the Bali Democracy Forum, active roles in the G-20 and at global environmental forums, Indonesia seeks to place its diplomatic activism on a global and more idealistic level.
Indonesia – Afghanistan relationship has been weaved since the beginning of the Indonesia’s Independence. Only two years after the proclamation, Afghanistan recognized Indonesia’s independence. Hence, Indonesia – Afghanistan relationship reaches its 65 years of friendship.
We hope that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan could soon be achieved. In this regard, we vow to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Afghanistan in various affairs of politic, economy, social as well as cultural. Indonesia has been providing capacity building cooperation through various training and scholarships in the fields of education, public health, democracy, diplomacy, agriculture, community development, infrastructure, etc. We hope that such modest initiatives could contribute to the development of Afghan human resources and eventually to the nation.
On the economic sector, we are seeking a renewed partnership to establish a strong and prosperous economy for our people. In this overall context, we want to further strengthen, deepen and diversify the economic content of our partnership. I believe that there is now a new surge of interest among Afghan business people to do business and investment in Indonesia. Yet there is a certain lack of awareness and information about the promising investment opportunities that Indonesia can offer to Afghan business people.
I wish to take this opportunity also to encourage our fellow Afghan business people to explore more opportunities in enhancing economic engagement between the two nations. Our statistics show that the bilateral trade volume between Indonesia and Afghanistan has been increasing in the last 5 years. Standing at around 50 Million USD in the last two years, the Indonesia – Afghanistan bilateral trade volume is not showing its real potentials and capacities. In this regard, Indonesia will yet once again hold the annual trade expo, that is the 27th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) on October 17th – 21st, 2012, in Jakarta.
This year Expo is expected to attract 1,500 participants, 10,000 buyers and 15,000 visitors. I would proudly encourage Afghan business people to utilize this opportunity to further develop the economic ties between Indonesia and Afghanistan.
Above all, the people and government of the Republic of Indonesia continue to attach great importance to the strengthening of the bonds of friendship and cooperation with Afghanistan in pursuance to the mutual interest of the two countries. Finally, I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all friends who have sent congratulatory message on this our special day .
I would like also to use this opportunity to convey my greeting and felicitation to the people and the government of Afghanistan for the upcoming occasion of the anniversary of the Independence Day of Afghanistan which will take place on the August 19th, 2012. I am optimistic that Indonesia and Afghanistan can do more in enhancing and strengthening their ties, cooperation and brotherhood in the future.
Wassalamualikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.