Visit The Indonesian Embassy In Lisbon, Minister Of Communication And Information Johnny G. Plate For The Long History Of Bilateral Relations Between Indonesia And Portugal

Minister of Communication and Information Johnny G.Plate at the Indonesian Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo: Doc. Antara/Kominfo)

JAKARTA - Minister of Communication and Information Johnny G.Plate reminded that the bilateral history of Indonesia and Portugal seems to have existed for more than half a century and it is hoped that this relationship can be more productive in the future even though the distance between the two countries is very far.

Johnny conveyed this during his working visit to Portugal at the Indonesian Embassy to Portugal in Lisbon and met not only representatives of stakeholders but also Indonesian citizens (WNI) who live in Portugal.

"It is my highest goal and hope, so that Indonesia and Portugal, both the government and its people, can maintain close relations in the future," Johnny said in a press release quoted by Antara, Sunday, September 25.

Johnny also told the history of the first time the formation of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Portugal began in the beginning of Indonesia declaring its sovereignty as a country.

In addition to recognizing Indonesia's independence, Portugal established its Representative Office in Indonesia on May 13, 1950.

Then the relationship strengthened in 1999 and became an increasingly productive relationship.

A decade later in 2010, Indonesia and Portugal made a new initiative in the Inter-Ministerial Foreign Meeting by forming a bilateral consultation forum through a meeting at the United Nations (UN) forum.

In terms of other history, Johnny also said that Indonesia and Portugal have a strong relationship considering the cultural introduction carried out by Portuguese explorers in the 1511 period during a visit to Indonesia's forerunner, namely Nusantara.

(The culture that is shared) Like in languages, music, religious practices, and historical architecture. This is an important asset for future bilateral relations between Indonesia and Portugal," he said.

One of the collaborations between countries established by Indonesia and Portugal through socio-cultural relations, for example, the signing of the Twin City Cooperation (Sister City) between Sikka Regency in Flores and Lagos Algavre City in 2007.

Then in 2012, a similar collaboration was established between Larantuka, East Flores Regency and Fatima, Ourem District in May 2012.

Johnny assessed that efforts to strengthen the cooperation between the Twin City were very important considering the close historical ties between Indonesia and Portugal that had been formed since the departure of Portuguese sailors from Indonesia 500 years ago.

"In this context, I hope that in the future there will be cooperation between the new Twin City, between Labuan Bajo, one of Indonesia's priority tourist destinations on Flores Island, with one of the cities in Portugal, for example Porto, Evora, or Braga," he concluded.

Johnny hopes that cooperation in more fields between Indonesia and Portugal can occur and benefit both parties.