In a recent courtesy visit to several high dignitaries in Indonesia, including the President, H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Secretary-General Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi had been warmly welcomed and exchanged fruitful discussion and received invaluable insight and instruction from the President to increase and strengthen the cooperation amongst the member countries, particularly in the sectors of economy and trade.

“D-8 is a very important organization. I believe there remains room and potential for stronger cooperation. I hope, in the years to come, we can enhance good ties and cooperation in many areas particularly economy and trade,” said Mr. President upon opening the meeting, which was held on Tuesday, 21 May 2013.

In a press statement after the meeting, Secretary-General Mousavi praised Indonesia’s active role in the D-8. “Indonesia is D-8’s most active and most important member. We really count on their continuous support,” he said.

According to him, the scope of cooperation among D-8 members has also included areas of civil aviation, industry, customs, visa simplification, as well as preferential trade agreement (PTA). Minister of Cabinet Secretary, H.E. Dr.Dipo Alam, who was the former Secretary-General of D-8, and was also present during the meeting and press conference explained that internal trade among D-8 members currently stood at US$150 billion. “Indonesia hopes that the volume can jump to $200 billion, even $300 by 2018,” he said.

During this visit to Indonesia from 20-22 May 2013, Secretary-General also had fruitful courtesy visit and talks with H.E. Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Minister of Transport, H.E. Minister of Cabinet Secretary, H.E. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs (accompanied by the D-8 Commissioner for Indonesia), and H.E. Minister of Trade. 

The series of meeting was concluded with a visit to the Indonesian News Agency ANTARA, to discuss about the possible establishment of a Working Group or Association of D-8 News Agencies.

Photos related to this meeting can be viewed here: [http://www.flickr.com/photos/developing8/sets/72157633116773750/page2/]

News related to this visit in local media can be found from the below links: