PENANG has pledged to continue its close bilateral ties and engagements with Indonesia, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
During the reception of the Republic of Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day at Evergreen Laurel Hotel, Chow was pleased to celebrate the joyous yet memorable occasion.
“Our two countries have always enjoyed an enduring kinship that blossomed from the many similarities on language, history, culture, and religion.
“Our bilateral relations encompass firm friendship, business alliances and a familial bond forged through long-standing warm relations.
“I hope our ties can grow stronger and cordial in the future,” he said, earning applause from the distinguished guests present at the joyous occasion.
Indonesia gained their independence from the Netherlands on Aug 17, 1945.
Among the distinguished guests present during the event were Consul-General of China in Penang Zhou Youbin, Deputy Consul-General of Japan in Penang Kuroe Kosuke, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo, and former state executive councillor Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain.
Earlier, acting Consul-General of Indonesia in Penang Kiki Kusprabowo congratulated Chow on his second-term tenure as chief minister.
“We have witnessed Chow’s leadership all this while and hope to see the realisation of Penang2030 vision,” he said.
He also thanked Chow for strengthening the ties between Penang and Indonesia, noting Penang is also well-known among the Indonesian people.
In a ceremonial toast later on, Chow invited attendees to join him in wishing success and prosperity to the Indonesian government and its people.
Those present also got the chance to enjoy the Indonesian delicacies.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad