Indonesia, Albania Ink Visa Waiver Agreement For Diplomats And Officials

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia and Albania have signed an agreement to waive visa for their diplomats and officials, aimed at enhancing interaction and cooperation between the two countries.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and her Albanian counterpart, Ditmir Bushati, signed the agreement in New York, the United States, on the sidelines of the 70th United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, according to the Foreign Ministry's press release received here on Monday.

The two ministers also signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to increase cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, and education, among others.

"Both countries are very pleased with the signing of the two agreements today. These will increase bilateral cooperation," Minister Marsudi affirmed.

During the meeting, Minister Marsudi stated that the Indonesian government had planned to appoint an honorary consul to Indonesia in Albania.

"The appointment of an Indonesian honorary consul in Albania will not only enhance relations between the two countries but also help to maintain Indonesia's various interests in Albania," she noted.

Marsudi noted that Indonesia and Albania have several opportunities to explore, especially in the areas of trade and investment.

Indonesia sees greater trade opportunities with Albania especially for the exports of prepared or preserved fish and caviar, paper, machinery, and rubber.

Minister Marsudi also encouraged business-to-business relations as the driving force for increasing economic cooperation between Indonesia and Albania.

 During the meeting, Marsudi sought Albania's support for Indonesia to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2019-2020 period.

To this end, Indonesia and Albania have agreed to explore possibilities to support each other in their candidacy in various international organizations.

Indonesia and Albania have enjoyed bilateral relations since 1994, and now, the country is ranked 20th among Indonesia's trade partners in Eastern Europe, with bilateral trade valued at US$7.5 million in 2014, in which Indonesia gained a surplus of US$5.8 million .

Indonesia was Albania's second-largest trade partner in the ASEAN in 2014. (WDY)