Indonesia committed to elevate partnerships with Sri Lanka

Indonesia is committed to elevate the mutual partnerships with Sri Lanka, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing said.

She said this at a reception hosted on the visiting Indonesia Sailing Ship “KRI Bima Suci-945” at the Colombo Port.

The Indonesian Embassy, in collaboration with the Indonesian Defence Attache, Commodore Didik Kurniawan, and the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander M. Sati Lubis, hosted a reception which was attended by the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya, Chief of the Sri Lanka Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Government Officials, Diplomatic Corps, and the business community.

The Indonesian Ship’s acceptance is manifestations of the close friendship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka, the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo said.

“The berthing of the “KRI Bima Suci” at the Colombo Port is an actual manifestation and became part of strengthening Indonesia-Sri Lanka relations,” Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing said when delivering her remarks at the reception.

Ambassador Dewi further stated that Indonesia is committed to elevate the mutual partnerships with Sri Lanka and considers Sri Lanka a potential neighbouring country.

State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya in his remarks as the Chief of Guest underlined the importance of Sri Lanka-Indonesia relations. The State Minister further hopes that the close cooperation between the two countries could be continuously strengthened especially in maritime sector.

The Commanding Officer of the Ship also received a visit from 50 Sri Lankan Midshipmen to see the ship’s technical capabilities and share knowledge and experience with Indonesian Navy partners. In addition, two Sri Lankan Navy personnel are to take part in the passage from the Port of Colombo to the Port of Salalah in Oman during the scheduled Goodwill Voyage of the ship.

The Indonesian Ship “KRI Bima Suci-945” will take shipping routes to countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe for 214 days and participate in international events, including the ASEAN Cadet Sail, L’Armada in France, Tall Ships Race in the Netherlands, and Hanse Sail in Germany. (Colombo Gazette)