Outside View: Putin woos Jakarta -- Part 1

MOSCOW, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Embarking on an official visit to Indonesia, I would like to share a few thoughts about present and future relations between our countries, about the foundations of our cooperation for over half a century, and the prospects for our work together at the beginning of the new millennium.

Indonesia and Russia are more than just two states large in size and population. They represent two unique and ancient civilizations enormously rich in culture. Jakarta and Moscow both serve as capitals of multinational countries where people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds have lived and worked side by side for centuries. Both our states have gone through complex paths of development. Their current dynamic progress and successes on the international scene result from the enormous creative work and strenuous effort of our peoples.

Looking back at the history of Indonesia-Russia relations we first of all recall their most glorious moments. Our country was among the first to acknowledge the independence of Indonesia and express solidarity with the Indonesian people fighting for their freedom. We are proud to note the assistance of Soviet experts in building the Krakatau steel plant, the highway network in Kalimantan, the research nuclear reactor in Jogjakarta, the Friendship Hospital and the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Cherishing these traditions of friendly mutual assistance Russia lent a helping hand to Indonesia during the grave ordeal caused by the tsunami in December 2004. I am glad that our Indonesian friends -- both older and younger generations -- are aware of and remember that.

I cannot help mentioning that recently the relations between Russia and Indonesia have gained a new momentum and become an important issue on the international agenda of our countries.

Political dialogue between Moscow and Jakarta has been developing steadily. The official visit of Susilo Yudhoyono, president of the Republic of Indonesia, to Moscow late last year was a significant event with tangible results, confirming that Russian-Indonesian cooperation has a promising future, in the spirit of the 2003 Declaration on Principles of Friendly and Partnership Relations between the two countries in the 21st century. Increased inter-parliamentary relations and intensified cooperation between various ministries and other agencies show that both sides are interested in promoting their cooperation.

However, today we want to go beyond such gradual rapprochement. We are ready to start a new page in our relations with Indonesia. I think that there is a solid foundation for this, as well as time-tested experience and substantial prerequisites to build upon.

We note the dynamic and independent foreign policy of Jakarta seeking to play a constructive role in world and regional affairs. The election of Indonesia as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council for 2007-2008 testifies to the acknowledgment of its international prestige. Due to the proximity of our positions on the key issues of today Indonesian and Russian representatives are closely cooperating within the framework of the United Nations.

Today, when international relations are undergoing a period of difficult and important transformation and when the future world order is being decided, Indonesia and Russia stand consistently for strengthening the collective principles and the rule of international law. We have a similar point of view on the central role of the United Nations, which has a unique legitimacy. We share the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. But above all, we are ready to enhance cooperation with all interested parties with a view to building an equitable world order, ensuring stability and security at both global and regional levels.

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(Vladimir Putin is president of the Russian Federation. This article is reprinted by permission of RIA Novosti.)

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(United Press International's "Outside View" commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.)