"One thing we need to underscore is that I and Prime Minister Abe have put Japan-Indonesia cooperation in the strategic context," President Yudhoyono said in a press conference held at the Merdeka Palace following bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Realizing that the challenge of enhancing bilateral ties will lie ahead, the President is convinced both countries can overcome it by developing the strategic values of cooperation.
"With the spirit, we are convinced that we will be able to find solution while creating new opportunities," he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abe said enhancing cooperation with Indonesia in particular and ASEAN in general is one of his government`s priorities.
"In our view, the Indonesian economic development is important. In the infrastructure sector, we will continue to cooperate with Indonesia through the MP3EI (the Masterplan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesian Economic Development)," he said.
Japan is one of Indonesia`s main economic cooperation partners in terms of trade and investment.
Two-way trade between Indonesia and Japan reached US$53.1 billion in 2011. The figure was recorded at US$44.85 billion in the year to October 2012.
Japan`s investment in Indonesia reached US$1.51 billion in 2011 and rose to US$1.78 billion in the year ended October 31, 2012.
(S012/S012)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
