Indonesia, China committed to infrastructure co-op: Indonesian spokesman

Updated: 2015-04-24 08:50

(Xinhua)

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JAKARTA - Indonesia and China have made many commitments in infrastructure cooperation, such as high-speed railway and ports, a spokesman for Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in Jakarta Thursday.

For example, China is intending to invest in infrastructure projects in Indonesia, like the high-speed rail from Jakarta to Bandung, Arrmanantha Nasir told Xinhua on the sidelines of the two-day Asian-African summit, which will conclude later in the day.

China is also planning to invest in port projects in Indonesia, he added.

China will encourage more companies to participate in infrastructure construction and operations in Indonesia, Chinese President Xi Jinping said when meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta during the summit.

Widodo welcomed Xi's proposal to increase investment in Indonesia's infrastructure. The two presidents witnessed the signing of cooperation documents on high-speed rail project after the meeting.

"The relationship between Indonesia and China is very strong," Arrmanantha said.

Speaking of the China-proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the spokesman said, "All in all, we welcome the approach of the bank."

It is important to ensure that there is adequate funding in Asia, particularly for infrastructure projects, he said, stressing that Indonesia supports the principles and concepts of the AIIB.

While addressing the summit, Xi urged Asian and African nations to carry forward the Bandung Spirit, which highlighted solidarity, friendship and cooperation, and work together to promote the building of a community of common destiny for all mankind.

Xi's speech highlighted that Bandung Spirit is still very much relevant today in addressing global challenges particularly by Asian and African countries, Arrmanantha said.

"South-South cooperation is the key," he said, while acknowledging the importance of South-North cooperation.

"I think what's important here is a commitment by countries like China to strengthening cooperation within Asia and Africa through South-South cooperation," Arrmanantha said.

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Schedule

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Pakistan and attend the Asian-African Summit and activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in Indonesia from April 20 to 24.

April 22
Attend the opening ceremony of the Asian-African Summit;
Meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo;

April 23
Bilateral meetings;
Attend the closing ceremony of the Asian-African Summit;

April 24
Historical walk from Savoy Homann Hotel to Gedung Merdeka;
Attend activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference;

...