India, Indonesia maintain assembly on improvement of connectivity between Andaman and Nicobar Island and Aceh province

ANI |
Updated: Dec 19, 2022 22:56 IST

Andaman and Nicobar Islands [India], December 19 (ANI): The second version of the Joint Task Force (JTF) assembly on the event of connectivity between Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Aceh province of Indonesia was held in Port Blair on December 19.
During the assembly, the delegations of India and Indonesia took inventory of the progress made and the challenges confronted in creating connectivity between ANI and Aceh, because the first JTF assembly in 2019. Both sides mentioned methods to additional promote commerce, tourism, and people-to-people contact between the 2 areas, and the standing of initiatives for port-related infrastructure in and round Sabang.
The Joint Task Force agreed to reinforce alternatives for interplay between enterprise chambers and potential traders on either side as a way to enhance commerce and funding. The two nations agreed to encourage sail tourism, cruise ship visits, and interplay between tour operators. India and Indonesia additionally mentioned methods to reinforce tutorial cooperation and cultural linkages between Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Aceh.

“Taking note of the rich marine resources in the region, they also agreed to cooperate in capacity building of fishing operators and learn from each other’s experience,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated within the press launch.
For the assembly, the Indian delegation was led by Vishvas Sapkal, Joint Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs. Meanwhile, the Indonesian delegation was led by Jatmiko H Prasetyo, Director for South and Central Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The third version of the JTF is anticipated to happen in Aceh in 2023.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat-Media Cell tweeted, “Director for South & Central Asian Affairs @MoFA_Indonesia, @yo71miko with #Delegates from #Indonesia & @VishvasSapkal with Central Ministry officers #India to attend 2nd #JointTaskForce Committee meeting #NewAndamans met @Admiral_DKJoshi at #RajNiwas.”
In the press launch, the Ministry of External Affairs referred to as the event of connectivity between ANI and Aceh a “key element” of the Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation within the Indo-Pacific, agreed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo in May 2018. (ANI)