The minister made the statement at a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR)`s Commission I for defence, information and foreign affairs recently, the ministry`s information and media director, Priatna said on Wednesday.
"The dialog which lasted cordially and transparently discussed a wide range of issues, ranging from the cost and benefit of Indonesian representatives and their contributions, the number of accords signed with other countries, code of conduct in the South China Sea, to the unlikelihood of Indonesia opening a representative in Ramallah, Palestine, in the near future," Priatna said.
The meeting produced a number of important decisions related to the ministry`s performance in 2011, he said.
At the meeting the House Commission lauded the ministry for its diplomatic achievement although it still had to coordinate with other relevant ministries to strengthen its diplomacy in the economic field in 2012, he said.
In 2011, Indonesia signed a total of 146 international accords with 46 countries, not to mention 131 bilateral agreements.
Nearly 96 of the accords or memorandums of understanding dealt with economy and people`s welfare and 53 others concerned political, legal and security fields.
The higher number of international accords signed last year suggested that economic diplomacy topped the list of priorities in the midst of efforts to create security and increase Indonesia`s role in fighting terrorism in the region.
Also present at the meeting were House Commission I chairmen Mahfudz Siddiq and Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, and House Commission I deputy chairmen Hayono Isman amd TB Hasanuddin, and House Commission I members including Enggartiasto Lukita, Venna Malinda, Effendi Choirie, Dr Susaningtyas N Handayani Kertopati, Evita, Muzamil Yusuf, Tri Tamtomo. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
