T

he new Indonesian Ambassador to both the UK and Ireland, Rizal Sukma, presented his letter of credentials to Queen Elizabeth II in London on Wednesday.

Rizal said he hoped the event would mark greater cooperation and partnership between Jakarta and London especially in the areas of economy, politics and culture.

Rizal traveled in a horse-drawn carriage to Buckingham Palace to attend the credentials-presentation ceremony.

It was followed by a reception at the Indonesian Embassy in London that was attended by foreign dignitaries, politicians and the British diplomatic community, as well as members of business and academic circles.

In his speech, Rizal expressed his hope that the relationship between Indonesia and the UK would grow stronger and thrive in the future.

“The relationship and cooperation between Indonesia and the UK can currently be seen as a Sapta Cita partnership, as viewed through the seven similar goals that both countries share,” said the foreign relations expert-turned diplomat.

The Sapta Cita (Seven Goals) cover seven areas of partnership, namely economic partnership; global partnership in maintaining global order; maritime partnership; partnership based on the value of the development of democracy, pluralism and tolerance in relations between nations; political partnership to strengthen good governance; security partnership; and cultural partnership to build deep mutual understanding between the people of Indonesia and the UK.

Rizal, who was a leading foreign affairs advisor to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, added that he was confident that Indonesia had a number of strategic advantages in achieving the Indonesian-British partnership goals that could benefit national interests.

First, he said, as an entity located between two oceans, Indonesia sees maritime security as essential for trade, prosperity, and stability.

“Second, as the third-largest democracy in the world, Indonesia has the relevant experience for all parties.”

Third, he went on, as home to the world’s largest population of Muslims, Indonesia is playing a role as a moderate force on the international stage.

“Fourth, as the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a fulcrum for stability and prosperity in the region,” Rizal explained.

Data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) showed that the UK was the seventh-largest foreign investor in Indonesia in the first half of last year, with investments worth US$424.93 million.

Two-way trade in the January-November period of 2015 stood at $2.13 billion, representing an 8.62 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2014.

Rizal, formerly executive director of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), replaced career diplomat Teuku Mohammad Hamzah Thayeb whose father Teuku Mohammad Hadi Thayeb was also the ambassador to the UK and Ireland from 1990 to 1993.

The UK is currently home to about 2,500 Indonesian students who mostly study in the country’s big cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Jakarta and London have maintained diplomatic relations since 1949.