The ambassador explained that some potential sectors to be developed under a joint cooperation between New Zealand and Yogyakarta were education, economy, ecology, culture, tourism, and capacity building.
Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - New Zealands Ambassador to Indonesia Trevor Matheson has paid a visit to the city administration of Yogyakarta to explore potential areas of cooperation.

"In addition to gathering information about Yogyakarta city and its local government, my visit is aimed at exploring potential areas of cooperation to be developed between Yogyakarta and New Zealand in the future," the ambassador remarked here on Thursday.

The ambassador explained that some potential sectors to be developed under a joint cooperation between New Zealand and Yogyakarta were education, economy, ecology, culture, tourism, and capacity building.

Meanwhile, Development Programme Coordinator of the New Zealand Aid Programme Mike Ingriani noted that New Zealand had even lent assistance to several areas in Yogyakarta Province, such as the Kulon Progo and Sleman regencies.

During the last four years, New Zealand has been working together with the Gadjah Mada University to help thorny palm farmers in Sleman Regency to improve the quality of their products and to promote economic empowerment of the disabled people in Kulon Progo Regency.

To establish cooperation between New Zealand and Indonesia, Mayor of Yogyakarta Haryadi Suyuti remarked that initial groundwork was necessary to be later followed by the realization of a collective agreement.

"Of course, the cooperation should be able to offer benefits to both sides," he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Head of Yogyakarta citys Economy, Local Revenue Development and Cooperation Section Danang Subagjono stated that the meeting would be followed up by more intensive communication between the Yogyakarta city administration and the New Zealand Embassy in Indonesia.

The city administration of Yogyakarta has established cooperation with several countries, such as Sweden, in the health sector.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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