Mexico, Indonesia to establish comprehensive partnership

( Xinhua )

Updated: 2013-10-07

BALI, Indonesia - Mexico and Indonesia have pledged to set up a comprehensive partnership in the Indonesian island of Bali on the sideline of the ongoing APEC meeting, according to a press release of the APEC media center Monday.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto, who arrived in Bali for the annual APEC summit as well as a working visit to the host country.

The working visit is made as part of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Mexico-Indonesia relations in their joint drive toward fostering a dynamic, progressive and mutually cordial relationship.

The two leaders agreed to establish a comprehensive partnership between the two countries as recognition of the strategic value of the bilateral relations, said a joint statement issued after their meeting.

"In this context, they agreed to enhance political dialogue at all levels, promote connectivity and increase trade, investment and tourism, as well as expanding technical cooperation, social- cultural exchanges and health, sports, education and people-to- people contacts," the statement said.

To enhance their role as economic powerhouses in Asia and Latin America, the two countries will also promote connectivity of the two regions through air service linkages, eliminating trade barriers and facilitating business communities, the statement added.

A package of bilateral agreements and memorandum of understanding (MOU) on air services, avoidance of double taxation, health and tourism operation were signed during the Mexican president's visit.