MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Closer formal relations between the city of Denpasar in Indonesia and the Municipality of Mossel Bay were given further impetus when delegations including the consul-general of Indonesia, Krishna Adi Poetranto, and the Mossel Bay municipal manager, Advocate Thys Giliomee, met on Friday 1 February, to finalise arrangements that will lead to a twinning agreement between the two cities.

The agreement is intended to foster closer relations between Mossel Bay and the city of Denpasar, resulting in specific opportunities to be investigated and expanded on, such as the possibility of beef exports to Indonesia, the development of an oceans economy and opportunities centred on the harbour, as well as tourism-centric opportunities focused on the historical, cultural and gastronomic spheres.

The possibility of much closer relations between the tourism authorities of the two cities was mooted at the meeting and met with approval and enthusiasm by both parties.

This may result in much of the red tape involved being minimised in due course.

"We have so much to learn from the tourism-centred approach of Denpasar; a follow-up meeting with tourist operators will be most beneficial," Adv Giliomee said.

The consul-general urged the delegations to expedite the formalities and it is expected that an item in this regard will be discussed by the Mossel Bay Council within the next few weeks. 

These negotiations followed an official visit to Indonesia by the mayor and municipal manager, who were participants of an official delegation that included, among others, the Western Cape MEC of Finance and International Relations, Dr Ivan Meyer.

The Mossel Bay municipal manager, Adv Thys Giliomee (back, left) and consul-general of Indonesia, Krishna Adi Poetranto (opposite, fourth from left) discuss the proposal of a twinning agreement between Mossel Bay and the city of Denpasar. Photo: Nickey le Roux

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