V

ice President Jusuf Kalla was on Friday recognized by Belgium for his role in boosting bilateral relations, especially in the economic sector, between Indonesia and Belgium.

The Vice President was awarded the Commandeur de l'Ordre de Leopold (Commander of the Order of Leopold) medal, while M.S. Hidayat, chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), was honored as Officeur de l'Ordre de Leopold (Officer of the Order of Leopold).

The Order of Leopold, Belgium's oldest and highest order, is given to a person who occupies a respectable position and has displayed a distinguished career.

The honors were delivered by Belgian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Karel de Gucht, in Brussels, at the Chateau de Val-Duchesse, home to the country's royal family.

Kalla said the honors "constitute a source of pride; not only for their recipients but also for Indonesia, because they reflect the excellent relations that exist between the two countries".

"They also serve to encourage our people to further promote and develop these bilateral relations for the mutual betterment and advancement of Belgium and Indonesia."

Also in attendance were Sofjan Wanandi, chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), and Indonesian Ambassador to Belgium Nadjib Riphat Kesoema.

Ties between the two nations received a boost after Kalla visited Brussels in January 2006, where he met with government officials and businesspeople.

Belgium reciprocated in November 2006, with Prince Phillippe and a delegation of 120 officials and businesspeople coming to Jakarta.

Between January and September 2008, Indonesian exports to Belgium hit US$1.21 billion, with imports from Belgium valued at $379.3 million.

Belgium is Indonesia's sixth major destination for exports in the EU, and 18th in the world.