Europe admires democratic dynamism in Indonesia

Jakarta, NU Online
House Speaker Agung Laksono said Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom was one of the European leaders who admired the democratic dynamism in Indonesia.

Agung made the remark after receiving the Hungarian president at the House of Representatives (DPR) building here Wednesday (21/5).<>

In addition to his effort to enhance the bilateral economic relations between the two countries, the Hungarian President visited Indonesia also to observe and study the democratic life in the world`s largest archipelagic country.

"Hungary admires Indonesia`s vast territory, its huge population, and democratic life, which has been in discourse among European countries now," Agung said.

According to the House speaker, Hungary is a good European partner to Indonesia.

"Hungary is one of the developed European countries and a producer of various industrial machines including a reliable military industry. Cooperation with the country (Hungary) is very strategic," he said as quoted by Antara.

However, Agung said, the two countries` lucrative markets have yet to develop further. "Whereas, the bilateral economic relations are very promising as both Indonesia and Hungary have a large population.

Slow process

Agung said Indonesia-Hungary economic ties should be enhanced further as the activities in their relations are sill running slowly.

He said the Hungarian president also shared Agung`s thoughts.

"The two countries have established relations in 1950 but they are developing slowly," he said, adding that the bilateral relations have yet to benefit both Indonesia and Hungary better.

Due to such a condition, Hungary wished to step up cooperation with Indonesia, he said.

Agung said Indonesia was expected to increase its exports of palm oil, food and plastics to Hungary. (dar)