RI Chosen as First Asian Nation to be Visited by Italy President

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Italian President Sergio Mattarella is scheduled to make a state visit to Indonesia this month, to make furtherance of discussion on strengthening bilateral relation with its Indonesian counterpart.

With his presidential status considered still relatively new, it has been viewed by the nationwide general population as well as the Indonesian government as an honored privilege to have been chosen as one of the very few countries outside of Europe to be graced with his visitation.

“Yes Indonesia is the first country be visited together with Vietnam. First country outside of Europe, so this is the proof that Italy is interested in Indonesia and its growing importance in the world. And for us, is a very interesting model of religious tolerance, acceptance of democracy, of all things that are sometimes some part of the world even close to Italy are forgotten,” Italian Ambassador to Indonesia Mr. Federico Failla spoke to Liputan6.com during special interview held for ‘The Ambassador’ on the last week of October 2015.

According to Mr. Federico, scores of issues and establishment of furthering cooperation will be the primary subjects for discussions between the leaders of the two nations. He also shares how despite minimal problems the 2 countries have, there is still a growing need for both to discuss deepening tie through extended improvement.

“They are going to talk about bilateral relations, international issues. Talk about the situations on their bilateral relations and how can we improve them and also to talk about international issues. We know that now cooperation among countries is essential to solve problems and issues that are common to us and happening in different parts of the world. For example Like, environmental problem, organized crimes, terrorism, illegal immigration, all things that affect most countries and so including Italy and Indonesia,” he stated.

He further explains that in legitimizing the furtherance of cooperation that binds the two countries, there will be a signing of memorandum on several aspects.

“We are going to sign a memorandum on tourism, culture and also other aspects and the big signature of many private countries to witness the businesses between Indonesian companies and Italian companies” said Mr. Federico. (Akp/Tnt)