I believe the quality of Indonesian students studying in Turkey is very good. I look at very good quality of sciences and networks that the Indonesian students acquired while studying in Turkey. It is just how sciences can contribute to development iJakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy House Speaker Azis Syamsuddin believes that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Turkey hold promising prospects and that both nations should intensify relations, especially in the areas of investment and capacity building.
With potentially increasing Turkish investment in Indonesia, Indonesians graduating from Turkish institutes of higher learning can become entrepreneurs; educators; micro, small, and medium business owners; and young professionals to develop domestic industries in various sectors.
"I believe the quality of Indonesian students studying in Turkey is very good. I look at very good quality of sciences and networks that the Indonesian students acquired while studying in Turkey. It is just how sciences can contribute to development in Indonesia," Syamsuddin noted in a statement released on Thursday.
The deputy house speaker made the remarks at his meeting with Indonesian students in Turkey during a transit in Istanbul. The meeting took place at the request of Indonesian students to discuss the political dynamics in Indonesia, Indonesia-Turkey relations, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Azis also urged the government to boost Indonesia's trade with Turkey, so that it will enjoy a surplus in its trade with the latter. To this end, he urged Turkey to step up its investment in Indonesia in accordance with the free trade principle.
Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Bambang Soesatyo had earlier urged Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop to help expedite negotiations on the Indonesia-Turkey Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IT-CEPA) as part of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Soesatyo made the request during an official meeting with Sentop in Ankara on Tuesday (Nov 3), the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara noted in a written statement released on Wednesday.
"The parliament plays an important role in concluding the negotiations on IT-CEPA. Hence, I seek His Excellency's support to encourage the immediate conclusion of negotiations," Soesatyo remarked during the meeting.
Trade between both nations had reached US$1.6 billion in 2019, with Indonesia enjoying a surplus of over US$800 million. The value is the largest as compared to those of Indonesia's trade with Balkan nations and other eastern European countries.
Indonesia's key exports to Turkey comprise palm oil, rubber, yarns, and automotive components. The commodities are among the raw materials of Turkish industries to boost exports to the global market.
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Translator: Imam Budilaksono/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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