REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BEIJING - Indonesian Ambassador to China Imron Cotan hoped new Chinese President Xi Jinping to further strengthen relations between Indonesia and China based on mutual respect and benefit.
"First, on behalf of the Government of Indonesia, we congratulate Xi Jinping on his being designated as the new President of China. With his broad international outlook, mature personality, and being humble, Xi Jinping is expected to further strengthen the relations between Indonesia and China," he said Thursday.
Imron added that Xi Jinping also can build a better China. "As a stable country with strong economic growth, China will also contribute positively to the region, especially Indonesia," he said.
Indonesia and China agreed to establish strategic partnership in April 2005, which led to the countries signing a wide range of cooperation agreements in various fields. "This shows that Indonesia and China as two big countries in their respective region have agreed to continue to work together, strengthen and expand the existing good relationship. We expect under the leadership of Xi Jinping ties between the two countries could be enhanced," said Imron.
China is Indonesia`s largest trading partner, and vice versa. "Trade between the two countries in 2012 increased to 66.2 billion USD from 62 billion USD the year before."
Meanwhile, China`s investment in Indonesia in 2011 reached 2.2 billion USD, or lower than those of Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United States and Germany. "Hopefully, in the future, China`s investment in Indonesia will increase," said Imron.
The 12th Congress of the China National People on Thursday named a new president and vice-president for the next term. The congress held at the Great Hall of the People and attended by Chinese President Hu Jintao named Xi Jinping a new president of China and Li Yuanchao new vice president. The congress also named Xi Jinping chairman of the Central Military Commission of China.
