"The two sides are now preparing documents that will be signed," he said.
A number of the agreements are expected to be signed during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s visit to China from March 22-24.
Chao said several draft agreements focus on the fight against narcotics distribution, as well as trade, maritime concerns and maritime research, infrastructure development and manufacturing.
"The two sides are still discussing the agreements through diplomatic channels, and we are convinced they will be finished before the two countries` leaders meet," he said.
Chao said President Yudhoyono`s upcoming visit would be significant for increasing cooperation between the two countries. Indonesia is a large country with strong economic growth and plays an important role in Asia.
"Indonesia and China have had a long relationship. Indonesia, despite the crisis it once faced, has now been able to rise up to become one of the developing countries with significant economic growth," he said.
With its rich natural and human resources, he added, Indonesia would be able to play a positive role at a regional, as well as international levels.
"Indonesia will be more capable of playing a significant role in maintaining stable security and peace, not only in the ASEAN region, but also internationally," he said.
President Yudhoyono will leave for China on Thursday night March 22. He will hold a bilateral meeting with President Hu Jinao the following morning, where both leaders will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding covering a number of cooperative agreements.
On Saturday, March 24 President Yudhoyono is to be awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Tsing Hua University.
(R018)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
