REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Regional Representative Council (DPD) Chairman Irman Gusman has encouraged the strengthening of trade and economic cooperation between Indonesia and India.

"Indonesia and India are two countries that are culturally very close and have established diplomatic relations since 1951," Irman remarked after receiving Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari at the Legislative building here on Tuesday.

During the visit, the Indian vice president, who is concurrently chairman of the Indian Senate, was accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Gujrit Singh, while the DPD chairman was accompanied by his deputy, Farouk Muhammad, and numerous DPD members.

According to Irman, Indonesia and India are both members of the G-20, or the 20 countries having economic power in the world.

"Indonesia and India have good cultural and trade relations," Irman said, explaining that trade cooperation between the two countries continues to grow from US$12 billion in the past to currently around US$25 billion.

He pointed out that India's current economic potential reaches US$1.8 trillion, or ranks third in the world, while Indonesia's economic potential amounts to US$1.2 trillion, or is ranked fourth. However, China and the United States are respectively ranked first and second.

The Indian vice president also met People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Zulkifli Hasan to discuss ways to strengthen relations between the two countries.

After the meeting, Hasan remarked that the courtesy visit by the Indian vice president aimed to establish friendly relations and cooperation between the people of both countries.

"Such visits must be constantly made to increase friendship," Hasan said, adding that they also discussed the implementation of democracy in India and Indonesia.

According to Hasan, India supports the Indonesian government's programs related to trade cooperation between the two countries, such as the trade of cattle, coal, and CPO.

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