Source: Kyodo, Date: 11 Nov 90, Story Type: News, Original
Language: English, Dateline: Tokyo, Byline: None, Text: Full,
Brief Remark: Shows the sophistication and range of Indonesian
diplomacy, built here largely on the mutual self-interests of
Indonesian and Japan.
KAIFU PROMISES CONTINUED ECONOMIC AID TO INDONESIA
Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu told Indonesian
President Suharto on Sunday that Japan would continue providing
economic assistance to Indonesia, Japanese officials said.
Suharto assured Kaifu that there would be a stable supply of
oil to Japan. He also told Kaifu that Indonesia is a major
oil-producing country and can help Japan by supplying it with
energy resources, the officials said.
While saying the Persian Gulf crisis has created a global
shortage of four million barrels of oil per day, Suharto cited the
need for a united global action to secure oil supply.
Suharto is here to attend Emperor Akihito's enthronement
ceremonies on Monday.
The President said Indonesia has gradually boosted its oil
output amid the Gulf crisis and will keep exporting oil within its
capacity.
Suharto referred to Indonesia's past supply of oil and
liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan and said it could be able to
export LNG for at least two or three more decades.
He said nine out of 11 LNG exporting facilities in the
country are now operating for Japan.
The President asked for Japan's continued economic aid to
Indonesia, noting that his country still needs foreign aid despite
increasing income, thanks to oil price hikes in the wake of the
Gulf crisis.
The boosted revenue falls short of sufficiently covering
development projects, Suharto said, adding there is a burden
caused by fluctuations in foreign currency.
Emphasizing Indonesia's struggle to boost exports of goods
other than oil, gas, and processed materials, Suharto urged
Japan's consideration for commercial schemes, including easing
tariffs for Indonesian plywood, for example, Japanese officials
said.
Suharto also requested Japan's cooperation to foster
Indonesia's sightseeing industry, referring to the possibility of
increased flight services connecting the two countries.
Kaifu, hailing the bilateral relations as very close, told
Suharto Japan would like to try to solve questions in Asia with
cooperation from Jakarta.
The Prime Minister also pledged Japan will continue to
support Indonesia's development efforts, saying Japan extended
financial aid to Jakarta for fiscal 1990 to almost satisfy its
demand, the officials said.
During a 30-minute meeting at Tokyo's Akasaka state
guesthouse, Suharto also expressed gratitude for Japan's past
support, noting help for textile or clothing industries, as well
as aid to accomplish in 1984 the self-sufficiency of rice.
Earlier in the day, Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas
met with his Japanese counterpart Taro Nakayama and expressed hope
to convene a fresh meeting among four warring Cambodian parties in
Paris later this month.
He said the meeting would aim at reaching consensus to
solidify the Supreme National Council, a U.N.-proposed provisional
ruling body in the country.