The Penang government will continue its commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship with Indonesia.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has expressed his hopes to see continuous progress with Indonesia in various fields.
“I am confident that given Indonesia’s long-standing warm relations with Penang, we can look to more opportunities for continuous mutual progress in various fields of interest.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bapak Bambang Suharto (Indonesia consul-general in Penang) and Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia’s officers for their continuous efforts in promoting Indonesia’s long-standing warm relations with the state.
“I would also like to thank them for their continuous efforts in assisting the Indonesian community in Penang, especially during the challenging times we faced during the past two years.
“Lastly, a belated ‘Selamat Hari Ulang Tahun ke-77, Dirgahayu Republik Indonesia’ to our Indonesian friends, especially those in Penang.
“Let us toast for a lasting friendship, good health, success, and happiness between the Penang government and the Republic of Indonesia,” Chow said in his speech during the diplomatic reception of the 77th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at Ascott Gurney Penang in George Town today.
Meanwhile, Bambang also reiterated the Indonesia government’s commitment to further strengthen the existing warm relations and bilateral cooperation between Penang and Indonesia.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Penang government for its continuous support to Indonesia all these years,” he said.
Bambang also congratulated Malaysia on its 65 years of independence.
Among those present during the event were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, State Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Consul-General of Japan in Penang Orikasa Hiroyuki, Thai Consul-General in Penang Raschada Jiwalai, Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee and Bambang’s wife Berti Suharto.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian