"Indonesia is ready to cooperate with Myanmar and assign experts to carry out various cooperation efforts. For instance, we have selected construction experts to execute some of the joint projects here," he said.
During the meeting, President Joko Widodo also expressed his countrys commitment to increasing cooperation, especially with regard to strengthening the ASEAN unity prior to the implementation of the ASEAN Community in 2015.
He stated Indonesia and Myanmar would continue their efforts for the development of bilateral relations as well as the ASEAN.
"Indonesia will remain a good friend to Myanmar in the development of bilateral relations and the ASEAN," he noted.
President Joko Widodo and President U Thein Sein reached an agreement on a number of common priority areas.
President Widodo pointed out that Indonesia would continue to encourage its state-owned companies to invest in Myanmar, especially in the sectors of mining, telecommunications, and infrastructure.
"We wish to emphasize that both countries must explore cooperation in the field of transportation or direct flight services between Indonesia and Myanmar and in the banking sector, as this will further strengthen our relations," he stressed.
In response, U Thein Sein agreed that the cooperation plan needed to be implemented.
"I am convinced that business and investment opportunities will take the two countries forward. I also hope you will encourage Indonesian businessmen to invest in Myanmar," he remarked.
Indonesia and Myanmar have so far cooperated in the field of agriculture, especially in rice trade, and Myanmar expressed hope that the two countries would further increase their cooperation.
As a result of various reforms in Myanmars financial sector, "we have allowed foreign banks to open branches here. So, we hope Indonesian banks would open also their branches here," President U Thein Sein said.
President Joko Widodo is in Myanmar to attend the ASEAN Summit. He is accompanied by chief economic minister Sofyan Djalil, foreign minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, trade minister Rachmat Gobel and Indonesian ambassador to Myanmar Ito Sumardi. ***1***
Reporting by Ageng Wibowo
(H-YH/INE)
EDITED BY INE.
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
