Working Visit To Tunisia, PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono Discusses Opportunities For Air Infrastructure Cooperation

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono paid a working visit to Tunisia, on Tuesday, February 6. During his working visit, he held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Agriculture of Hydroulic Resources and Tunisian Fisheries Abdelmonaam Belaati.

In this meeting, Minister Basuki discussed opportunities for cooperation that could be carried out between Indonesia and Tunisia, especially in the field of water infrastructure.

"The Indonesian government through the Ministry of PUPR is open to collaborating with the Tunisian Government, especially in the field of infrastructure development," said Basuki in a written statement received by VOI, Wednesday, February 7.

Basuki assessed that the two countries can learn from each other's experiences. For example, the Tunisian Government's program in increasing agricultural productivity, food security, sustainable agriculture and empowerment of the local farmer community in Tunisia.

"Until 2023, the Indonesian government through the Ministry of PUPR continues to strive to develop the water resources sector. Through the construction of dams, the development of irrigation networks and rehabilitation, as well as efforts to control floods and coastal security," said Basuki.

"In addition, we have long experience in weather modification techniques for agriculture and even flood control. Therefore, we hope that the two countries can explore opportunities for cooperation in the future," he continued.

In addition, Basuki also conveyed an official invitation from the President of the Republic of Indonesia Jokowi to Tunisian President Kais Saied to attend the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, in May 2024.

"We hope that the Tunisian President will consider the invitation and be pleased to attend the 10th World Water Forum, including attending the High-Level Meeting with other heads of state," he said.

According to Basuki, the Tunisian Government has played an active role in the Mediterranean regional forum towards the 10th World Water Forum. "Therefore, the Indonesian Government hopes that the results of the 5th Mediterranean Water Forum can contribute to the preparation of the 10th substantial World Water Forum," he said.

Responding to this, Tunisian Minister of Agricultural Resources and Fisheries Abdelmonaam Belaati welcomed the opportunity for cooperation between Indonesia and Tunisia.

He considered that the experience of the Indonesian government in the construction of dams and the development of weather modification techniques could be a good example for Tunisia.

"Thank you for the opportunity to cooperate. We hope that Indonesia and Tunisia can sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Bali," he added.