Independence Day: Indonesian embassy celebrates with a colourful reception

To mark the 67th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, Ambassador Ishak Latuconsina and Butar Latuconsina hosted a reception at Serena Hotel on Friday, according to a press release issued by the embassy.

The Indonesian envoy also extended warm greetings to the government and people of Pakistan on their 65th Independence Day a few days earlier.

The venue was beautifully decorated with flower arrangements depicting Indonesian and Pakistani flags. In addition to local and continental food options, a variety of Indonesian delicacies were also on offer. Documentaries were screened for the guests providing interesting information about Indonesia.

The chief guest, Adviser to Prime Minister on National Harmony Dr Paul Bhatti, congratulated the ambassador on the auspicious day and noted that Indonesia and Pakistan are bolstering co-operation in various venues to expand bilateral relations.

They underlined the importance of close ties and enhancing people-to-people networks and encourage all-around cooperation to further strengthen the bond between the two nations.

Ambassador Latuconsina, Bhatti and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) heads of missions cut a cake to mark the day.

The Indonesian envoy said Indonesia was a staunch supporter of Pakistan’s efforts to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN to develop meaningful partnerships with member countries individually and collectively.

The envoy said that the friendship between the two countries has now transformed into a multi-faceted, mutually rewarding partnership encompassing all fields of interest.

He elaborated that the signing of the Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement in Jakarta earlier this year and the inauguration of the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Forum last October have opened a new chapter in the bilateral commercial relationship. The ambassador expressed the hope that these achievements would help boost trade ties between the two countries.

The envoy also brought up bilateral defence co-operation and said the two countries signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2010 to combat emerging security challenges. Moreover, educational and socio-cultural links between the two countries have also been strengthened considerably, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2012.