"You are strong liaisons between India and Indonesia," he said in his speech at the meeting at the Jakarta Convention Hall. He called on the Indian diaspora to continue expanding its social relations in the country.
He said Indonesia`s closest neighbor was India and India`s closest neighbor was Indonesia. India and Indonesia had deep cultural relations and similarities in the two countries` traditions had been popularized in various ways, he added.
"Indonesia and India are symbols of social and cultural diversity and goodwill. A lot of languages and dialects are spoken here by hundreds of communities living here and so are in India," he said.
Before the Prime Minister arrived, the Indian diaspora was entertained with Indian music and songs.
President Joko Widodo welcome Prime Minister Modi on his arrival at the Merdeka State Palace at 10.15am on Wednesday in a VVIP car escorted by the mounted presidential security guard and drum bands.
Widodo shook hands with Modi before leading him to a podium for an official welcome ceremony in which the anthems of both the countries were played.
They would discuss various issues from maritime affairs, economic issues, social and cultural ties to regional and global issues.
The two leaders enjoyed flying kites when visiting the India-Indonesia Kites Festival at the National Monument Square locally known as Monas Square.
They also witnessed the announcement of 15 memorandums of understanding between the two countries in various fields. These covered defence, outer space, transportation and pharmaceutical sectors.
Reported by Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Reporter: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Bustanuddin
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