Indonesia–Syria relations

Indonesia–Syria relations

Indonesia
Syria

Indonesia–Syria relations was officially established in 1949, and it was among earliest international recognitions on Indonesian sovereignty.[1] Both nations have common perceptions related to Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon issues, and Indonesia always supports Syria in international forum on the issue of the Golan Heights.[2] Regarding current event of the Syrian Civil War, Indonesia has urged all parties in Syria to end the violence,[3] while pledging to provide US$500,000 worth of humanitarian assistance to conflict-torn Syria in 2014. Previously Indonesia has donated the same amount to Syria in 2012 and 2013 under United Nations.[4] Indonesia has an embassy in Damascus, while Syria has an embassy in Jakarta. Both nations are the member of Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

History

During Indonesian National Revolution, Syria was among the earliest nations that support and recognize the Indonesian independence. In 1947, Syrian representative in United Nations, Faris Al-Khouri, had pushed the "Indonesian question" agenda to be discussed in United Nations Security Council that led to international urge to end the Dutch's Politionele acties and finally led to the transver of sovereignty to Indonesia in 1949. Syria was the second country that acknowledge the Indonesian sovereignty after Egypt. The diplomatic relations was established promptly in 1949.[1]

High level visits

Indonesian President Suharto visited Syria in October 1977. Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud Zubei visited Indonesia on June 1997, and Syrian Prime Minister Naji Ottri on January 2009.[1]

Economy and trade

The bilateral trade reached US$47.08 million in 2003 and rose to US$100 million in 2008. The trade balance is heavily in favor to Indonesia, which mainly exports textiles, rubber, tea, coffee, palm oil, wood and paper to Syria. While Indonesia imported mainly dates, dried fruits and olive oil from Syria.[2]

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Hubungan bilateral Suriah-Indonesia" (in Indonesian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Indonesia. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Veeramalla Anjaiah (April 3, 2009). "Syria seeks stronger ties with Indonesia: Envoy". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  3. ↑ Ella Syafputri (February 25, 2012). "Indonesia urges all parties in Syria to end violence". Antara News. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  4. ↑ Veeramalla Anjaiah (January 16, 2014). "RI to pledge $500,000 assistance to Syria". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved May 4, 2014.

External links