(The cooperation) will chiefly focus on addressing illegal fishing and pollution because we have similar geology. One of (the areas of cooperation) is disaster mitigation because Chile has the same type of natural disaster as Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian and Chilean governments are committed to strengthening cooperation in improving the marine and fishery sectors as well as in handling environmental issues.

The commitment is a follow up to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) held this year, Deputy to Maritime Affairs Coordinating Ministry for Human Resources Coordination, Science and Technology and Maritime Culture Safri Burhanudin said in a written statement released Friday.

"(The cooperation) will chiefly focus on addressing illegal fishing and pollution because we have similar geology. One of (the areas of cooperation) is disaster mitigation because Chile has the same type of natural disaster as Indonesia," he said.

The cooperation in disaster mitigation is aimed at reducing the risks of disasters from earthquake, volcanic eruption and tsunami, he said.

In addressing the environmental issues, the two countries shared similar views with regard to marine debris, he said.

Because of the awareness about marine debris, the crew members of the Chilean naval ship "Esmeralda" took part in the Beach Clean Up campaign in the Mertasari Beach in Sanur, Bali, Friday.

"Marine debris is not a problem for just one country. Chile has hosted a world meeting to help handle the issue. They also proposed this activity. It is not the first time for them to come (to Bali) and get involved directly in it," he said.

The cooperation with Indonesia is important as the two countries take care of environmental issues particular plastic waste which has become global issue, Chilean Ambassador to Indonesia Gustavo Ayares Ossandon said.

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Translator: Ade Irma/Suharto
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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