The MoU was signed when Chinese State Oceanic Administration (SOA) Administrator Liu Cigui and his delegation visited Maritime Affairs and and Fisheries Ministry office on Thursday, April 28, 2011, the ministry's secretary general Gellwynn Jusuf said.
Gellwyn said the cooperation was part of an effort to improve the development in the field of fisheries and marine technology in Indonesia.
He added that the cooperation was good of Indonesian interest in the research on marine and fisheries development to strengthen the country's geopolitical position.
Indonesia is a maritime country which was internationally acknowledged during the World Ocean Conference (WOC) in Manado, North Sulawesi in 2009.
"The maritime cooperation between Indonesia and China has been initiated by both countries since 1994 and its implementation is very significant with the establishment of Indonesia China Ocean and Climate Center (ICCOC) and Marine Station in Bungus, West Sumatra," Gellwyn said.
He said that through the ICCOC the two countries continue to make every effort in their research related to climate change.
Through the researches on oceanographic field in the aspect of climate change, China has directly supported Indonesian role as the initiator of WOC and Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI).
Related with Marine Station Bungus development, China has expressed commitment to providing Indonesian researchers with technology, oceanographic sensory equipment, experts and information exchange.
The maritime cooperation between Indonesia and China was initiated with the signing of an MoU in 1994.
In its further development, the cooperation between the two countries was implemented in marine research at South China Sea.
Liu Cigui was one of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's entourage in the visit to Indonesia as part of Chinese preparation to attend East Asian Summit Meeting in Jakarta next October.
For further information please contact Dr. Yulistyo Mudho, M. Sc, Head of Data Statistics and Information Center, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (Mobile: 0811836967)
Editor: PR Wire
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