Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Cypriot Ambassador to Indonesia Nicos Panayi during his visit to ANTARA News Agency on Wednesday expresses admiration of Indonesia`s role in promoting human rights and democracy to the world.

"Indonesia`s support towards human rights, democracy, sovereignty and stability of the world may inspire small countries to do the same," the ambassador said.

Panayi also expressed appreciation towards Indonesia which during the past years had seemed to be more involved in universal matters while not forgetting to bring ASEAN flag with it. He took example of Indonesia`s effort to encourage peaceful solution towards Thailand-Cambodia`s border dispute recently.

Asked about bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Indonesia, the ambassador who had stayed in Indonesia since last year said the relations had been going on very well though the trade value was still small amounting of 18 million euros in 2010.

"I look forward to Indonesia and Cyprus to enhance bilateral relations in the future. Perhaps we can cooperate in other sectors too such as shipping, tourism or interfaith dialogs," said the ambassador.

Ambassador Panayi is a career diplomat, who joined the foreign service in 1992. Before Jakarta, he was posted in Beijing, Moscow, Prague, New Delhi, and Beirut.
(Uu.A014/H-YH)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011