INDONESIA AND N.Z.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28821, 16 February 1959, Page 10

INDONESIA AND N.Z.

Friendship Pact Possible There was a possibility that a treaty of friendship between Indonesia and New Zealand might be arranged as a result of his visit to the Dominion, said the Indonesian Foreign Minister (Dr. Subandrio) when he arrived at Christchurch airport yesterday afternoon from Australia on his way to Wellington. “I am prepared to discuss it. anyway.” Dr. Subandrio said. • Dr. Subandrio wHI spend five days in New Zealand as the guest of the Government. The treaty of friendship between Indonesia and Australia negotiated during his visit there and any similar treaty negotiated with New Zealand were a part of his country’s * “good-neigh-bour policy,” Dr. Subandrio said. Such treaties were designed to foster general friendship and co-operation, and to promote trade. Indonesia was anxious to strengthen friendly relationships with her northern neighbours-; the Philippines, Malaya, India, and Pakistan—and also Australia and New Zealand, he said.

Increase in trade, the furthering of general co-operation, and establishing understanding of Indonesia’s claims to West New Guinea would be among topics he would discuss with the New Zealand Government. Dr. Subandrio said. As Dr. Subandrio and his party stepped from the aircraft, they were greeted by cries of “selamat dalang” (Indonesian for “welcome”) and “haeremai,” from the Minister of Forests (Mr Tirikatene, who welcomed him on behalf of the Prime Minister (Mr Nash). Mr Tirikatene was accompanied by two Christchurch members of the Cabinet, the Minister of Transport (Mr Mathison) and the Minister of Social Security (Miss Howard). “The Government j and people of New Zealand are delighted to greet you,” said Mr Tirikatene. “We are glad you have agreed to pay us a visit, and we hope you .will enjoy your stay here and take away many happy memories.”

Speaking fluent English, Dr-. Subandrio told reporters: “I am very glad to be here in New Zealand, and I appreciate very much the invitation extended to me by the Prime Minister to see something of this beautiful country, and meet New Zealanders in their home country. I will make use of the occasion by meeting the Prime Minister himself and the members of his cabinet. This kind of visit is always very useful to improve relations between our two countries.” Asked how he enjoyed the cricket test in Melbourne (which it was reported he would be attending with Mr Menzies, the Australian Prime Minister), Dr. Subandrio smiled, and said: “I had to forgo the cricket—pressure of engagements.”