Joint Statement
Issued by
The Government of the People's Democratic
Republic of Algeria
And
The Government of the Republic of Indonesia
at the Conclusion of the State visit of
H.E. Megawati Soekarnoputri
President of the Republic of Indonesia
To Algeria. 5 - 8 September 2002

1. At the invitation of H.E. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E. Megawati Soekarnoputri, President of the Republic of Indonesia, paid a state visit to Algiers, Algeria on 5 - 8 September 2002.

2. During the visit, H.E. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria received H.E. Megawati Soekarnoputri, President of the Republic of Indonesia, and the accompanying delegation.

3. These meetings provided the occasion for a substantive review on developments of the relations between the two countries and for a detailed discussion on methods and ways for strengthening bilateral cooperation as well as a wide-ranging exchange of views on important regional and global issues of mutual interest.

4. In their review of bilateral relations, the two parties paid special attention to identify specific ways and means for increasing cooperation in various fields on the basis of mutual benefit. They noted a broad spectrum of their relations including political, economic, trade, investment, culture and education, science and technology, human resource development and training, non conventional energy, civil aviation, combating drug trafficking, transnational crimes.

5. With regard to the economic cooperation, both parties noted that the economic reform and liberalization programs pursued by both countries have provided new opportunities for expanding and diversifying economic cooperation. They also agreed that private sectors in both countries should play a leading role in giving impetus to the possibilities of further cooperation, while the governments would have a vital role in encouraging and facilitating business contacts in order to create awareness of the capabilities and requirements on both sides. For this purpose, they also expressed their wish to organize, at the earliest stage, the Second joint Commission Meeting in Indonesia at the Ministerial Level.

6. The two countries agreed on the need to expand and balance trade relations between Algeria and Indonesia. They agreed to explore all possible sources of financing to enhance the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. They also agreed to explore the possibilities to overcome the current imbalance trade relations by facilitating measures and providing enhanced market access in their respective countries. They agreed to encourage their private sectors participation to increase investment in each respective country.

7. The two parties expressed their satisfaction on the signing of the following documents:

     a. A Memorandum of Understanding on Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Algeria and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia; and

     b. A Memorandum of Understanding between SONATRACH and PERTAMINA Oil and Natural Gas Business Development Cooperation.

8. The Algerian leadership reiterated its support for the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia and commended the Government of Indonesia's commitment to and efforts for maintaining national cohesion, region and global peace.

9. The Indonesian leadership noted with satisfaction the important efforts made by Algeria to revive the Union of Arab Maghreb. In this context, the two Heads of State are of the view that the Western Sahara issue should be resolved by peaceful means taking into account the relevant United Nations resolutions in particular the Security Council resolutions in the effort to consolidate stability and security of the Maghreb region.

10. The two parties also highlighted the need to further strengthen cooperation in various fields particularly between the Asian and African nations through the inter-regional cooperation as it is stipulated in the Bandung Conference 1855. It is therefore necessary to forge new cooperation, new spirit and new goals between all countries in these two continents for the better life of our future generation.

11. The two parties expressed their grave concern at the recent developments in the Palestinian territories and the rapidly deteriorating situation in the spot which emanated from the excessive use of force, acts of provocation and killing of innocent civilians that continue to have a negative impact on the entire peace process. In this case, they stressed the need to fully implement, in good faith, agreements reached in the context of the peace process. They also expressed the hope to achieve a final, lasting, just and comprehensive settlement on the Palestinian track, based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the land for Peace formula, which would ensure the fulfillment of the legitimate Palestinian rights, including the establishment of an independent and viable state with Al Quds El Sharif as its capital and the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland.

12. The discussion between the two parties took place as the international scene has been undergoing significant changes that affecting the political, economic, social and cultural landscapes. With this in mind, the two parties discussed wide range of topics which included efforts to combat the scourge of international terrorism, means of revitalizing a South-South Cooperation and other international as well as regional institutions to which they are members of international economic relations.

13. The two parties highlighted the traditionally close and friendly relations between Algeria and Indonesia, and the mutual understanding and goodwill that characterize these relations. They expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in cooperation in various ways. They also noted the long tradition of cooperation and coordination between the two countries in international fora, particularly the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77, the Organization of Islamic Countries and the Group of 15.

14. The two parties also noted with concern some current attempts to provide international legality for certain concepts that could entail the undermining of state sovereignty of justifying intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states under the pretext of human rights protection without having basis in international law or the United Nations Charter.

15. The two parties reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of religious freedom and tolerance in relations within and among the nations and also underlined the importance of differentiating between the religion of Islam and the act of violent extremist.

16. The President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Megawati Soekarnoputri, extended an official invitation to the President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E. Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika for paying a state visit to Indonesia in order to reinvigorate their traditionally close cooperation in various fields and to explore new dimensions of it.

17. The discussion was held in a cordial, friendly and positive atmosphere, marked by the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding which have always characterized relations between the two countries.

18. The Indonesian delegation expressed their deep appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended by the Government and people of Algeria and for the excellent arrangements made for the visit as well.

Algiers, 8 September 2002

Photo 1. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and President Megawati Soekarnoputri

Photo 2. Official dinner offered by H.E. President A. Bouteflika in honour of H.E. President Megawati Soekarnoputri