Jordan's trade with RI increases by more than 300% in 2008

Wed, 06/10/2009 1:04 PM  |  World

In diplomatic circles, people call him a "heavyweight" ambassador. Though Jordanian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Hassan Dawodieh qualifies in terms of height and weight to be a heavyweight boxer or weightlifter, what people are referring to here is about his background as a senior former minister in Jordan as well as an adept ambassador. True to his reputation, Ambassador Dawodieh, who submitted his credentials to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Nov. 7, 2006, has tried to take the relations between the two countries to new heights, as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan celebrates this year the 10th anniversary of King Abdullah II's ascension to the throne. To learn more about all these developments, The Jakarta Post's Veeramalla Anjaiah spoke with Dawodieh recently at the latter's office in Jakarta. The following are the excerpts from the interview.

Question: What is the present state of relations between Jordan and Indonesia?

Answer: We have excellent relations with Indonesia. There are so many similarities and common denominators between our two friendly countries as they both enjoy vivid freedom, freedom of press, democracy and human rights, where people are highly valued in society. They are also facing economic challenges efficiently and exerting continuous efforts to enhance transparency, good governance and fighting corruption.

We are not only members in the same international Islamic organizations, but also our two countries are cooperating and coordinating jointly and now they are both partners in the G11. This has strengthened even more the distinguished friendship between our King and the Indonesian President.

It is a time when both countries are stressing greater bilateral cooperation in the economic field. Could you please throw some light on the growing economic relations?

When I presented my letter of credence to President Yudhoyono at the end of 2006, I promised him in front of my fellow ambassadors, Indonesian ministers and other civil and military dignitaries, to work hard to increase the volume of trade between Jordan and Indonesia. The trade exchange between the two countries increased rapidly from US$163 million in 2007 to $520 million in 2008, or an increase of 317 percent in the space of a year. But this half-billion-dollar trade does not include oil and gas products.

King Abdullah II has now reigned for 10 years as Jordan's king; what are the salient features of his 10-year rule?

We can precisely describe this period as an era of transformation for Jordan, also an era of continuous efforts for the sake of Jordanian citizens through political and economic reforms that focus on human rights and equal opportunity for the younger generation and women's role in building the new modern Jordan, as well as for the care for the poor and the supporting of the standards of living of the limited-income sections *of society*.

In addition, King Abdullah has paid special attention to the development of education by introducing computer science to the educational system starting from primary schools. Moreover, our king's efforts at regional and international levels are remarkable, with the new Jordanian message based on the respect for nations' options and human rights and forging strong ties with world leaders to uphold peace in the Middle East, founded on UN resolutions and the two-state solution for peaceful coexistence.

How does Indonesia figure in your country's foreign policy?

We see Indonesia as a leading democratic country in the world and an active force for peace, balance and moderation. Your country is like ours; the essence of moderate and tolerant Islam is reflected and observed, which accepts others to develop the world. Amman Message has honestly depicted this issue. We are admiring the Indonesian Islamic organizations that protect your society against extremism, clashes and doctrine deviation. Indonesia is a great supporter of justified Arab issues, especially the Palestinian people's struggle to build their independent state that is secure and exists on their land with Holy Jerusalem as their capital.

What is your perception of Indonesian people and culture?

Indonesia is very rich in natural and human resources, along with cultural, historical, archeological and tourism capabilities that cannot be found in any other part of the world. I think the issues related to marketing Indonesia to the world will soon be addressed as the number of foreign tourists increase. The future is for Indonesia. We are eager to see it transform from a big country to a superpower during the coming decades.

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.