PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government welcomed a special visit from a number of female ambassadors and representatives from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Germany, Greece, and Bulgaria at the Bandung City Hall (11/15/2024).

They explored potential collaboration in various fields, such as tourism, trade, education, and cultural exchange.

The delegates present included Tanya Dimitrova (Bulgarian Ambassador to Indonesia), Ina Lepel (German Ambassador to Indonesia), Stella Bezirtzoglou (Greek Ambassador to Indonesia), and Shaima Salem Alhebsi (UAE Chargé d'Affaires).

On that occasion, Acting Mayor of Bandung, A. Koswara, expressed his belief that this visit could strengthen the partnership between Indonesia and the countries conveyed by the envoys. He also emphasized Bandung's potential as a city rich in history, culture, and rapid economic development.

"Bandung not only has an extraordinary cultural and historical heritage, but is also an economic center with an economic growth rate of 5.07 percent in 2023 and a GRDP of IDR 351 trillion. Until the third quarter of 2024, investment in Bandung reached IDR 8.57 trillion, exceeding our target of 117 percent," he said.

Bandung City, previously had a sister city relationship with Braunschweig, Germany, for almost 65 years. Therefore, he hopes that this visit can open up new opportunities for cooperation, especially with Bulgaria, Greece, and the UAE which have not had formal relations before.

"We hope that this meeting will not only strengthen friendly relations, but also open up new opportunities for cooperation that will benefit both parties," he said.

Koswara said, Bandung City, with its geographical beauty located in a basin surrounded by mountains, offers cool air that is rarely found in urban areas of Java Island. The legacy of Dutch colonial architecture is also a major attraction for foreign tourists.

"We want the ambassadors to feel the love of Bandung residents. Our philosophy, Bandung Someah Hade ka Semah, means always being friendly and respectful to guests. This is a culture that we continue to uphold until now," he said.

The ambassadors expressed their appreciation for the warm appreciation from the Bandung City Government and expressed their interest in strengthening the cooperative relationship. Bandung City is considered to have great potential as a strategic partner in the Southeast Asia region, both in the context of culture and economy. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)