Samoa welcomes Indonesian Ambassador

By Sina Filifilia Sevaaetasi 28 April 2017, 12:00AM

Tantowi Yahya is the newest Ambassador–Designate of Indonesia to Samoa.

During the presentation of his credentials yesterday at the Head of State’s residence at Tuaefu, Mr. Yahya outlined the growing relations between Indonesia and Samoa.  

“Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Samoa in 1980, three and half decades ago, our bilateral relationship can be viewed as a growing process of a child heading towards maturity.  In the maturing process, it is hoped that both countries can further explore various potentials for enhanced cooperation, “ he said. 

“We have noted several sectors which are still open for partnership, such as economy and trade, tourism, education, agriculture, fishery, social development, disaster risk management, interfaith dialogue, sports and culture, as well as technical cooperation to strengthen the human resources of Samoa in various fields.”

In conclusion, Mr. Yahya asked for Samoa’s full support for their Candice as a member of the United Nations Security Council. 

“With this opportunity, I would like to convey Indonesia’s candidacy as a member of the United Nations Security Council for the period of 2019-2020 and once again I would like to ask for the full support of the government of Samoa for this candidacy.  The valuable support that the government of Samoa has given to Indonesia for its various candidacies in a number of International Organisations has become a political investment that can never be forgotten.” 

In response, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi endorsed Mr. Yahya’s words regarding the relations between Samoa and Indonesia.  

He said, “I echo your sentiments on the close and ever-growing relations between Samoa and Indonesia over the years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1980.  This relationship has been strengthened by the many exchanges wand visits between Indonesia and Samoa which support our commitment to build and maintain steadfast relations.”

“I am also pleased to note Indonesia’s continuing support and pursuit in building genuine and durable partnership in the areas which are of utmost importance to Samoa such as economic development, education, tourism, disaster risk development, fisheries and technical cooperation in the fields of agriculture and rural development.”

According  to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Tantowi Yahya holds a professional degree from Massachusetts  Institute  of Technology, Sloan School of Management, U.S.A. and a Bachelor Degree from the National Hotel and Tourism Institute, Indonesia.  He was previously a member of the Indonesian Parliament.  Being very passionate in foreign affairs and media. He was in the Commission 1 overseeing defence , intelligent, foreign affairs, media and informatics since his first terms in the parliament 2009-2014.”

“Tantowi was a successful businessman and entertainer before stepping into politics. He was Managing Director of the record company and event organizer P.T. Ciptadya Prestasi, He was also an avid country music singer with gold and platinum albums.”“Tantowi is now known as a successful politician in his country.  He has been entrusted as the Speaker of his political party, Golkar, known as the oldest party in Indonesia.”

“He also gained an overall deeper understanding of the United States and sought opportunities  for exchanging cultural events between Indonesia and the U.S.”  

This is Mr. Tantowi’s first post as Ambassador- Designate and he resides in Wellington. 

By Sina Filifilia Sevaaetasi 28 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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