JAKARTA. Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa and his UK counterpart, British Foreign Secretary William Hague, discussed initiatives to boost ties between the two countries on Wednesday, including cooperation in the fields of investment and education.

"Cooperation in investment is one of the key elements of Indonesia-UK partnerships. The UK is one of biggest 'foreign direct investment' sources in Indonesia," Marty said in a press conference at the Foreign Ministry in Jakarta on Wednesday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said several ministers in charge of investment matters would soon meet to discuss ways to further increase investment and to identify problems that might impede investment between the two countries.

Marty said in the meeting that representatives of both countries would also discuss initiatives on the environment, human rights protection and good governance efforts.

Meanwhile, Hague said 2013 had been a very good year for Indonesia-UK bilateral relations.

"Around 22 agreements were signed between education institutions from the two countries last year. Nowadays, there are more Indonesian people looking for study in the UK," said Hague.

During the meeting, the two ministers also discussed the political crisis in Syria and the Iranian nuclear issue.

Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa earlier said Indonesia and the UK were committed to boosting their economic partnership, which is expected to reach US$7 billion in 2015, from $4.9 billion in 2013.

Hatta said Indonesia and the UK had developed a trade and investment vision for 2030, aimed at increasing the added value of goods.

Hague's visit to Indonesia was part of his Southeast Asia tour. He said high-level visits of UK government members during the last two years had revitalized relations with countries in the region. (ebf)

Editor: Asnil Amri