Strong potential for two-way tourism between India and Indonesia: Ansari

Bali (Indonesia), Nov. 4 (ANI): Vice President M. Hamid Ansari on Wednesday said there is a strong potential for development of two-way tourism between India and Indonesia.

Delivering a lecture at the University of Udayana in Bali this morning, the Vice President said, "Given our past links, there is a strong potential for development of two-way tourism between our two countries. I am told that the number of Indian arrivals to Indonesia has been consistently growing. There is a strong case for establishment of direct flights between Indian and Indonesian destinations."

"With cooperation between the tourism stakeholders in both countries, the bilateral tourism flow is poised to grow substantially. We also look forward to welcoming more 'Tirtha Yatris' from Bali, Java and other islands in Indonesia. India too has several magnificent destinations for pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual solace or a communion with nature," he added.

Describing India and Indonesia as the two fastest growing economies of the world, Vice President Ansari said the potential for joint efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment is huge.

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He also said, "Our collaboration in science and technology, our cooperation in human resource development and, of course, our cultural exchanges, is boundless."

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"As India embarks on the new phase of its 'Act East Policy', and as Indonesia prepares for successfully integrating economically into the ASEAN community, we hope to work with our Indonesian partners to realize this potential," Vice President Ansari said.

'Our shared socio-economic agenda calls for intensive cooperation and consultation for economic development and social empowerment of our people. Our cooperation is for mutual benefits and is guided by the requirements and priorities of the people and the Government of Indonesia," he added.

Vice President Ansari concluded by saying that both India and Indonesia were ancient civilisations that share a philosophy of peace, universal brotherhood, compassion, tolerance and non-violence, and added that all of these cherished values also guided India's Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

He said that he was delighted to have unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the University of Udayana complex.

The Vice President hoped that this new era of exchanges between the two countries would deepen with time.