Jakarta, Nov. 4 (ANTARA) - To create food resilience due to the impact of climate change, the Indonesian and United States Government will continue to collaborate based on technology as a strong commitment from both countries to establish strategic partnerships in the development of marine and fisheries. As told today (Nov. 4) by Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sharif Cicip Sutardjo.

After receiving an honourable visiting from the Ambassador of the United States to Indonesia, HE Scot Marciel at the Office of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries he said, "Indonesia and United States have a long history in bilateral partnership, particularly in the field of marine affairs and fisheries so it should be focussed on the importance of U.S. support in develop ocean exploration, management of coastal and marine resources and sustainable fisheries management, in creating food resilience from the impact of climate change," Cicip said.

According to Cicip, support and partnership from United States are also needed as an effort to eradicate "Illegal Fishing", and to apply the approachment of ecosystem towards the fisheries manajement in Indonesia.

In addition, partnership is also important in application of "Port State Measure", empowering small-scale fishermen, and to meet quality standard of fishery products which is set by the United States.

The partnership between Indonesia and America started in 2003 through the Marine Partner Program and to be strengthened with the signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the partnership for Science, Technology and Applications in the field of marine and fisheries in 2007.

After receiving an honourable visit from the Ambassador of United States, at the same time Cicip also received an honourable visiting from the Ambassador of Extraordinary and Sovereignty of the Republic of Korea to Indonesia, HE Kim Young-Soon to strengthen bilateral relationship in marine and fisheries sector.

Cicip said that Korea is an important partner`s country for Indonesia, especially after the presidents of both countries signed the Declaration of Joint Strategic Partnership in December 2006 in Jakarta. In marine and fisheries sector, these declaration of both countries were continued through the Meeting of the Working Level Task Force in Bali on mid of May 2011.

Cicip stated that the results of Bali meeting were the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Republic of Korea agreed to continue partnership in marine and fisheries sector.

"In Bali, Indonesia and Korea also agreed to expand the partnership area including nature conservation, transfer the development of fisheries port technology, and the exchange of aquaculture information," said Cicip.

In this honourable visiting, the Ambassador of Republic of Korea is also expressed his gratitude for the support and participation of Indonesia in the "2011 Busan International Seafood and Fisheries Expo "which is also become a part of the exchange of information on global market conditions for fisheries as well as in promoting the Indonesian fishery products. Cicip said that the two countries are also committed to work together in multilateral forum of Asia and Europe Meeting (ASEM) which will be held simultaneously in Busan on November 16 to 19.

"At last, I also ensure that the Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Indonesia will also support and participate on the activities of Yeosu Expo 2012", Cicip explained.
(T.W001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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