French President, Indonesian Minister Agree To Protect Sea

JAKARTA, March 30 (Antara) - Visiting French President Francois Hollande has agreed to work together with Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti to protect the sea, as part of the efforts to protect the world from the impact of global climate change . "It is our responsibility to protect the sea and to protect the world," Hollande said, in an Indonesia-France maritime dialogue held at the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry here, on Wednesday. If the sea is not protected, it will have variety lot of impacts, including a rise in sea water level, the threat of illegal fishing, and sea pollution, he stated. He further lauded the steps taken by Susi to thwart off illegal fishing in the Indonesian waters. "There must be a desire to do it and of course, there must also be facilities and technologies. Indonesia is currently taking steps to protect its marine territory," he noted. The sea is also a target of investment. Thus, it is important to strengthen cooperation and make optimum use of marine potentials, he remarked. He stated that he was delighted to hear that a number of French companies would begin investing in various projects in the maritime and fisheries sector. Meanwhile, Susi told the press following the dialogue that France should abolish its import duty on the Indonesian fishery products after Indonesia has consistently eradicated illegal fishing. France is now the market for Indonesian fishery products, including shrimps, crabs, and tuna.