The Head of the PFG with Indonesia Ljiljana Malusic said that the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Indonesia enjoy traditionally friendly relations and good bilateral cooperation in many areas. On the occasion, she thanked the delegation for the Republic of Indonesia’s principled stance on Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as its quick response and aid during the 2014 floods. Malusic informed the guests that the PFG with Indonesia boasts 30 members and shows a constant tendency to expand. She also highlighted the excellent interparliamentary cooperation and concluded that there is room to advance it at all levels.

The PFG Head said she was pleased by the intensification of economic cooperation through the opening of the “Indofood” noodle factory in Indjija and the arrival of “Etira” which is planning to open a factory and employ more than 350 workers. She also said there is room to expand cultural and educational cooperation, commending the Indonesian Government’s student exchange and scholarship programme.
The Head of the Indonesian Parliamentary Friendship Group with Serbia Michael Jeno said the Indonesian delegation was very pleased with the visit to the National Assembly which will significantly contribute to the development of cooperation, especially in view of the signed Memorandum of Cooperation between the Serbian and Indonesian parliaments. Jeno agreed that Serbia and Indonesia enjoy traditionally friendly relations and good cooperation, as evidenced by the official visits paid by the highest Serbian dignitaries to Indonesia in the last few years, the signing of bilateral agreements and the student exchange programmes.

Jeno also commended Serbia’s response to the migrant crisis hoping that the topic will be broached at the 137th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. He agreed that significant progress has been achieved in the countries’ economic cooperation, drawing attention to the 248% growth in economic exchange in the period 2012-2016, as well as in their cultural and educational cooperation, adding that there is room to boost cooperation in other areas, such as defence and security.