we will continue to maintain that no matter who is elected president in the upcoming presidential election.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Britain and Norway have confirmed they will maintain good relations with the next government of Indonesia, according to the two countries ambassadors.

British Ambassador to Indonesia Mark Canning during a discussion on economic development priority in Indonesia at the American cultural center "@america" here on Wednesday said the two countries have good relations in various sectors, including trade, economy, education and environment.

"Britain and Indonesia have strong bilateral relations and, therefore, we will continue to maintain that no matter who is elected president in the upcoming presidential election," Canning said.

During a meeting with British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague in Jakarta in January 2014, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said cooperation in investment was one of the key elements of the partnership between the two countries.

"The UK is one of largest foreign direct investment sources in Indonesia," Marty noted at a press conference after the meeting with Hague.

Hague then said 2013 had been a good year for Indonesia-UK bilateral relations.

"Around 22 agreements were signed between education institutions from the two countries last year. Currently, more Indonesian people are looking to study in the UK," Hague added.

Also, Norwegian Ambassador to Indonesia Stig Traavik expressed optimism that his country will cooperate in environmental preservation with the new government of Indonesia.

The environmental cooperation valued at US$1 billion was stipulated in a commitment, stating that Norway will support forest preservation efforts in Indonesia in line with the REDD+ mechanism.

"In Norway, we also have a new government, which took office last October, and one important issue for the new government is that the agreement with Indonesia will continue," he said.

(O001/INE)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
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