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Dutch Queen's

Indonesian

visit boosts ties

JAKARTA: The visit of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to Indonesia has deepened mutual understanding and strengthened economic ties between the two countries, Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas said on Wednesday.

"I think the visit (by Queen Beatrix) has been good and politically I think it has resulted in deeper mutual understanding. On the economic side, it is clear there is increasing cooperation in trade and investment," Alatas told reporters.

"Overall, the visit has given a satisfactory result. This is (a) historical visit because it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Indonesian independence," he said.

Alatas said Indonesia would not resume receiving aid from the Netherlands, cut off by President Suharto in 1992 following his anger at Dutch protests over the November 1991 massacre of civilians by Indonesian troops in East Timor.

"I think the policy will remain like that because in fact relations have become more suitable than before," he said.-Reuter