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Yerevan can become one of the most attractive travel destinations for the Indonesian tourists, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Armenia Yuddi Crisnandi said in an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am.

What are your impressions of Armenia?

Yerevan is a beautiful city. Armenia is located in a strategic place between East and West. The Armenian people survived despite the attempts to conquer them and still remain a great nation. The Armenian Diaspora, in its turn, contribute to the world. Representatives of the Armenian Diaspora are so tolerant, they live together with other citizens and respect others. I met with some representatives of the Armenian government, with my friend, the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Indonesia Yervand Voskanyan, and I felt the hospitality of the Armenian people. This is the character of a great nation. And I believe this nation will be great forever.

When I met with your President Serzh Sargsyan, I felt warmth. The conversation was very detailed, it affected not only the relations between the two countries, but also the universal values ​​of human rights, as every leader in any part of the world can contribute to the peaceful coexistence of countries and peoples. It was not only diplomatic rhetoric, I felt that it was from the heart of the Armenian people and its leader.

In which areas do you see potential for deepening of relations between Armenia and Indonesia?

September 22 will mark the 25th anniversary of relations between Armenia and Indonesia. We have good relations in international organizations. We respect each other. We are lucky to have Armenian embassy in Jakarta. We hope to have an embassy here in Yerevan. We will deliver this message to our capital.

In my opinion, three sectors are of special importance. First, tourism. In 2016 over 10 thousand Armenians visited Indonesia. Indonesia gives free visa for 30 days to visit our country. We hope Armenia will do the same. Secondly, it is important to enhance our relations in trade. We are looking for some opportunities here, Indonesian businessman can come here for finding a new market . Armenians also can come to Indonesia – a market of 252 million. Thirdly, we want to enhance our cooperation in terms of education and culture, like we did last year. I mean a memorandum of understanding between the Yerevan State University and University of Indonesia. This year two Armenian students have an opportunity to study in Indonesia. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities next year.

What about the direct flights?  Do the governments negotiate on the opening of direct flight?

I discussed this idea with director of Asia department at the Armenian Foreign Ministry. It is a very good idea. We can start negotiations on opening direct flight from Yerevan to Jakarta or from Yerevan to Bali – an island that is a good travel destination. We will discuss it with our transport ministry. It will work because it will bring potential benefit to both countries. We hope Armenia will grant free visa for the Indonesians. If there is free visa, we will promote Armenia for our tourists. Indonesia is a great tourist market for Armenia. The Muslim nation of Indonesia will be interested in visiting the Blue Mosque – one of the most beautiful historical monuments of the 18th century. 

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