YOUNG DIPLOMATS STAMP MARK IN INDONESIA

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya

JAKARTA, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- A group of 24 young Malaysian diplomats Sunday ended a week-long attachment programme and study tour in Jakarta, with a significant achievement in fostering friendship and better understanding in handling bilateral issues.

Throughout their stay, the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR)
participants were engaged in forums and dialogues pertaining to bilateral
relations with the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and its Ministry of Trade, as
well as with the Asean Secretariat.

Some of them were given an opportunity to assist Malaysian Embassy staff to
handle a group of 104 Malaysian students evacuated from Egypt, who were on
transit flight to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

On its part, Indonesia responded well to the programme, showing a desire to work
closely with Malaysia and indicating an exchange visit next year.

"I think this is a good beginning because we have been talking a lot about
building up good relations with Indonesia, and we are starting it with our young
diplomats, and Indonesia is responding well to that.

"I'm sure Wisma Putra is now in the process of reaching out, and this is one of
the ways that could benefit both countries," IDFR director-general Ku Jaafar Ku
Shaari told Bernama.

He said, one interesting development in the programme was that the young
Malaysian diplomats also had the opportunity of meeting their Indonesian
counterparts.

"We had the opportunity to meet with the Centre of Education and Training
(Pusdiklat) under the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Incidently, they
also have their young diplomats, a new batch of 60 recruits.

"During their meeting, they were able to exchange ideas, and even had a forum on
Asean cooperation in the context of tourism.

"Jakarta has given us this opportunity. I am glad we chose Jakarta for the
excursion," said Ku Jaafar.

The young Malaysian diplomats are currently undergoing a six-month diploma
course in diplomacy at IDFR.
-- BERNAMA