Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič paid an official visit to the Republic of Indonesia on 10-12 October 2011.

During the talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the Slovak President emphasised that Slovakia considered Indonesia an important country in the region of Southeast Asia, with a great authority on the international scene and with a growing economic potential.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called for more intensive cooperation in economy, agriculture and food security.

President Gašparovič also held talks with the Indonesian House of Representatives Speaker, Marzuki Alie. The Slovak President said: “I appreciate the approach you have taken to democratisation of your country and the way you have implemented an array of reforms with respect to which I wish you a lot of success.” Mr Gašparovič also welcomed the fact the Group of Friendship between the parliaments of Indonesia and the Slovak Republic had resumed its activities in March 2010, adding that “the Slovak Republic recognises the growing influence of Indonesia in the world, particularly within G20 and the ASEAN group, as well as the economic reform efforts that have translated into a positive growth of Indonesia’s economy.”

Ivan Gašparovič also delivered a speech at the Slovak-Indonesian business forum. In his address he noted that the bilateral cooperation would continue under an ever more challenging and stiff international competition. The economy of the Eurozone countries, including Slovakia since 2009, is facing a difficult situation. Despite the debt crisis currently felt in several Eurozone countries, Slovakia remains optimistic and considers the single European currency, the euro, a benefit.

The euro has introduced a new level of quality in the business environment in Slovakia, reduced the foreign exchange risk and cut the costs of currency conversion. It has helped enhance Slovakia’s trade exchange with the EU-wide market of 500 million potential customers and encouraged an inflow of interesting and solvent foreign investors to Slovakia. Several bilateral agreements on economic and business cooperation between Indonesia and Slovakia were signed during the visit.