21 Aug 2013
Mark Rutte to Retno Marsudi ‘Terima kasih’
‘Terima kasih’. Our shared history, community and culture are great assets. And starting from that shared past, our countries have a lot to offer each other in the future, too.’ This was Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s key statement in his speech at the residence of Ambassador Mrs. Retno Marsudi at a reception on occasion of the 68th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day.
In November 2013 Prime Minister Mark Rutte will visit Jakarta, accompanied by a large Dutch business delegation. This visit will be an occasion to reaffirm a comprehensive partnership agreement between Indonesia and The Netherlands. One of the vital fields of mutual cooperation is water management. ‘The benefits are mutual: by working closely with Indonesia to help protect Jakarta from flooding, the Netherlands is also learning a lot about the kinds of flood risks we could face in the future. So it’s good news for both countries that our cooperation agreements in this area were recently renewed and reinforced,’ the Prime Minister explained.
‘I’m looking forward to my visit for personal as well as professional reasons. But I realize, of course, that the Indonesia of my father’s fond tales has now evolved into a global economic and political power-house.’ Mr. Rutte concluded by saying: ‘Let us raise a glass to the ties that bind us, and to the future success of our countries’ partnership. Terima kasih.’
Ambassador Marsudi welcomes her guests