RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER ON RI-RUSSIAN RELATIONS

London, Mar 3 (ANTARA) - Russian deputy foreign minister Alexei Borodavkin said the relations between Russia and Indonesia have made significant progress.

Alexei Borodavkin made the statement when meeting Indonesian ambassador to Russia Hamid Awaludin, Councilor at he Indonesian embassy in Moscow M. Aji Surya told Antara London
Wednesday.

He said the meeting took place on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the relations between the two countries which will be observed in Moscow.
Borodavkin also expressed conviction that the relations between the military of the two countries could be further enhanced by mutually favorable contacts.

He also said the presidents of both countries have exchanged congratulatory messages.

Cultural performances will also be held on the occasion in seven leading cities Moscow, Tver, St. Petersburg, Tomsk, Ekaterinburg, Tomks and Vladivostok.

He said last year's financial crisis did not have any significant effect on the trade and tourism relations between the two countries and these relations were even increasing, besides the conducive political, economic and cultural relations.

And in education, the two countries have also established close relations up to university and post-graduate levels.

Several Indonesian cabinet ministers will be visiting Russia to follow up to various agreements that had been reached.

The National Education Minister is scheduled to sign an MoU on education.

Russia could also take active part in the procurement of power plants and SAR equipment which Indonesia as a vast archipelago may need.

In the meantime, Indonesia, in this case Bank Muamalat Indonesia (BMI) is giving training in syariah banking in Moscow and Kazan for interested Russian businessmen and students.

In April 2010, a team from the Indonesian religious ministry will give training in the management of haj pilgrimage.

Russian Great Mufti Ravil Gaynutdin was also slated to visit Indonesia in June this year.