Indonesian Ambassador: I consider Azerbaijan my second home - INTERVIEW

Husnan Bey Fananie, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Azerbaijan, is completing his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan this summer. In an interview with Report, the diplomat spoke about the outcome of his mission in Baku, his impressions of Azerbaijan, and the areas in which the two countries need to deepen relations.

- Mr. Ambassador, you are completing your diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan.In your opinion, how deepened are the relations between Azerbaijan and Indonesia over this period?

-I think that Azerbaijani-Indonesian ties have increased in all directions during this time. For example, politically and diplomatically, our countries continuously support each other at all international platforms, including the UN, OIC, and the Non-Aligned Movement, where Azerbaijan currently chairs the presidency. According to the Constitution of Indonesia, we respect every country's right to be free and have territorial integrity. We support the intention of Azerbaijan to return its occupied territories. One of the main goals during these four years when I was the ambassador was to strengthen friendly and fraternal relations further.

- How will you remember Azerbaijan? What do you like best in our country?

-I will never forget Azerbaijan. I consider Azerbaijan my second home. At the same time, this land is one of the cradles of humanity; this is the land of Noah. I love this country, its hospitable, and sincere people. Azerbaijan has a very rich history.

- How will your diplomatic mission in Baku affect your future career? What do you intend to do when you return to Indonesia?

-Indeed, Azerbaijan gave me more knowledge, more understanding, and a philosophy of life and peace. As for my future career, I would note that before my diplomatic activity, I delivered a lecture on the history of the world and Indonesia at universities. I think that after my return to Indonesia, I will continue my professorship and inform my students about Azerbaijan, its history, and its wealth. But I intend to be back to Azerbaijan as an ambassador of culture, economy, and education. Because I know the Azerbaijani people, their history, culture, philosophy of your country. We have a lot in common, especially the fact that both Azerbaijan and Indonesia are Muslim and multicultural countries. In addition to this, I also plan to go in for business and establish corporate relations between the two countries.

"As you know, the world is still struggling with the coronavirus pandemic."How has this affected the relations between our countries, and what prospects for bilateral cooperation do you see in the post-pandemic period?

-Here I can say that during his speech, the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, in the framework of the videoconference of the Non-Aligned Movement, chaired by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, invited the organization's countries to join forces in the fight against COVID-19. Only in this way will we be able to protect both individual business representatives and economic cooperation between our countries. We need a new approach, a clear understanding of the new post-pandemic reality.

- Indonesian officials visited Baku several times to get acquainted with Azerbaijan's experience in ASAN service. Is Indonesia interested in the full implementation of this service in your country?

-Indonesia has its similar system called Public Service Mall (MPP). But ASAN service is the new social service model in the world. It was once highly praised at the UN level. Thus, Indonesia became interested in it, and many specialists and officials came to Azerbaijan from Indonesia to study the experience of ASAN service. That is an outstanding experience for us since Indonesia is huge, and the country is located on a massive number of islands. So, we need to improve an existing system. Indonesia needs a new and fresh ASAN service system.

- What are the most attractive non-oil sectors for the Indonesian business in Azerbaijan?

- Of course, the oil and gas industry remains a more promising area of cooperation between our countries. Nevertheless, some areas can open up new opportunities for us. For example, agriculture. Indonesia can supply very high-quality dried fruits and palm oil, the largest producer in the world of Indonesia. Moreover, electronics, household appliances, heavy industry, and much more. We must not forget about tourism. Azerbaijan is an extremely favorable country in terms of historical pilgrimage tourism.

- According to the Indonesian media, the President of Indonesia has already nominated Hildi Hamid as the new Ambassador of Indonesia to Azerbaijan. When does the new ambassador plan to begin his mission in Baku? Could you provide more information about him?

-Due to the whole situation with coronavirus, it is expected that my successor Hildi Hamid will arrive in Azerbaijan approximately in September-October this year. I can note that this is his first position as the head of the diplomatic mission. Before that, he served in the executive branch of the province of West Kalimantan.