"We are ready to help Fiji develop under mutually-beneficial cooperation."
Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA News) - Indonesia is ready to help the Republic of Fiji under a cooperation in various fields including education and transfer of technology.

Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji A Chandra Salim said here on Wednesday that Jakarta would help Fiji develop its country.

"We are ready to help Fiji develop under mutually-beneficial cooperation," A Chandra Salim said after a banquet hosted by Maluku provincial government at Tirta Kencana Hotel on Tuesday.

Chandra said since gaining independence in 1970, Fiji had yet to have its own capability in developing its natural potentials and culture.

"The country has so far been relying on imports of goods and technology. Therefore we are ready to help it," the Indonesian envoy said.

Chandra also said that Indonesia`s intention to help Fiji was in accordance with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s directives about his care for the development of countries in the Pacific region.

The Indonesian ambassador to Fiji was in Ambon after a one-day visit to Tual, Southeast Maluku, with a number of Fijian journalists to obtain first hand information about seaweed cultivation technology and the local community`s way of social life.

"The journalists were vry impressed by several villages in Tual with their asphalted roadsand the way the local people made processed food from cassava," Chandra said.
(Uu.O001/H-NG)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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