The media have been described as a strategic partner in fostering closer diplomatic relationship and as the pillar needed for building a nation.This observation was made by the Indonesian ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sudirman Hasene, when he paid a courtesy visit to the African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Tribune Titles, last Friday.'We consider newspaper companies as one of our important partners in fostering good relationship between the two countries,' Mr Hasene said.He identified one of the constraints in the relationship between the two countries as the 'inappropriate picture often painted of the two countries.' He would later, in a chat with Nigerian Tribune, identify the 'inappropriate picture' as the belief that Indonesia, like most Asian countries, is not safe for existence because of the incessant occurrence of natural disasters such earthquake, volcanic eruption and tsunami, dismissing it as mere illusion.The ambassador expressed his appreciation to the management team of the company for their warm reception and also extolled the company for its lofty achievements and efforts in highlighting the activities of the Indonesian embassy in Nigeria.Reiterating the observation made by the ambassador, Managing Editor Saturday Tribune, Mr Sunday Olajide, who, in company with the company's Chief Accountant, Mrs Remi Awofisayo, and Chief Internal Auditor, Mr Ayokunle Olaoye, received the team on behalf of the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the company, Reverend Sam Adesua, said 'there is no gainsaying the fact that the media play a very good role in making sure that the people of Indonesia and Nigeria benefit from government. It is our responsibility to create avenues to explore possible areas of partnership. For example, in the area of trade, it is the mass media that will bring to the fore the trade items of the two countries.'While expressing delight in the partnership between Indonesia and the company, Mr Olajide promised on behalf of the management to make the Tribune titles available to the embassy. He also promised that the company would be willing to create awareness for any tourism potentials that exist in the country through its medium and would be glad to share with the embassy information that can stimulate the business community in Indonesia to come to do business in Nigeria as well as encourage businessmen and women in Nigeria also to do business in Indonesia.While also noting the role the media play in promoting good governance in the country, he said 'Our partnership at this crucial time is of the essence, so that Indonesia and Nigeria can benefit from the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. So, you can read our paper to discover its potentials.'The ambassador was accompanied on the visit by the Head of Chancery, Mr Edy Sutrisno; and a staffer in Lagos, Mr Agus Sutander.
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