Strengthening Legislative Ties between Indonesia, Turkey

ANKARA, TURKEY, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Rachmat Gobel stressed the need for the parliament to play a role in bolstering Indonesia’s relations with Turkey, State News Antara reported.

“There are some Turkish residents who do not know Indonesia. I believe that the parliament, apart from the G-to-G [government-to-government] avenue, must also promote [bilateral] cooperation through communication and people-to-people diplomacy,” Gobel said after a diplomatic reception hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, Wednesday (Sept. 14) local time.

The diplomatic reception, which was held to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence, saw the attendance of Mustafa Varank, the Turkish industrial and technology minister, and other foreign diplomats.

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Gobel added that the heart-to-heart diplomacy avenue is expected to boost bilateral relations with Turkey, particularly in the manufacturing sector, such as in the electronic, healthcare, and defense technology industries.

“We also need to learn much from Turkey, particularly its defense industry,” he said.

He hoped parliament’s diplomacy could intensify the bilateral ties between Indonesia and Turkey.

Gobel highlighted that with its strategic position, Turkey could be the entry point of Indonesian products into the European market.

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“Turkey is part of a trade organization with Europe, and they can be the entry point for Indonesian products,” the deputy speaker said.

While presenting his remarks during the diplomatic reception, he urged diplomats to develop world peace to achieve common prosperity.

“This world is too small for us to wage wars and conflicts. We need to unite and to share and help each other, (achieve) common prosperity, and create a green and fresh environment,” Gobel said.

Source: State News Antara