TANJUNG SELOR - The North Kalimantan Provincial Government (Pemprov) continues to open opportunities for international cooperation to encourage regional development and economic growth.
The commitment was conveyed by the Governor of North Sulawesi, Zainal Arifin Paliwang, when receiving an audience with a delegation from the Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines which has its office in Manado, North Sulawesi, in the Governor's office of North Sulawesi, Wednesday, May 6.
"In the meeting, the North Kalimantan Provincial Government together with the Philippine Consulate discussed the opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations through the development of regional potential, especially in the border area," said Zainal, Thursday, May 7.
"This is one of the concrete steps to strengthen bilateral relations," he continued.
He explained that one of the forms of cooperation being explored is the Sister City or twin city program. The program includes long-term cooperation between regions in the fields of culture, education, tourism, and technology development.
"A number of strategic sectors that have the potential to be developed together include fisheries, marine, and human resource development (HRD), including opportunities for technology-based labor exchanges," explained Zainal.
Zainal explained that the geographical proximity between Kaltara and a number of regions in the Philippines, such as Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga, is an important capital in building inter-regional collaboration.
"Kaltara and the Philippines have a territorial proximity that has the potential to become a reference for sister city cooperation because of the similarities in potential," he said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate plans to open a representative office in Tarakan City to strengthen coordination and facilitate the realization of cooperation that will later be included in a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The North Kalimantan Provincial Government, continued Zainal, expressed its readiness to fully support the cooperation plan.
"We are ready to help find solutions if there are obstacles," he said.
Also present at the hearing were the Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in Manado HON. Mary Jennifer Domingo Dingal, Philippine Navy Lieutenant Colonel Efren Ryan I Fajardo, Border Crossing Officer Tarakan ISC Glenn B. Macopia, Assistance to Nationals Officer Smith Anthony De Los Angeles, and Liaison Officer Raymond Wagiu.
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