US explores cooperation with West Sumatra

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PADANG -- United States Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake visited West Sumatra on Thursday to explore a number of cooperation options with the province.

"We have come here to strengthen our relations and to explore cooperation with West Sumatra," Blake clarified, here on Thursday.

The US ambassador noted that his visit to West Sumatra was a new step toward the cooperation between his country and Indonesia through the government of West Sumatra province.

According to him, the cooperation will include investment, disaster mitigation, and education and culture.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno stated that he appreciated Blake's visit and the desire to establish cooperation with the province.

"We positively support all cooperation efforts with any country that can be considered beneficial to the growth of our province," the governor noted.

He added that further discussions were needed to realize the cooperation.

"We still need several meetings to discuss further the cooperation with the United States," the governor added.