Jayapura, Papua - The  ambassadors of eight  Asian and African countries here on Thursday visited Sentani Lake in Jayapura District, on the second day of their stay in Papua which was aimed at exploring business opportunities in the country's eastern-most province.

The eight foreign ambassadors were  G.M. Memela of South Africa, Nanda Mallawara of Sri Lanka, Salaheddin M. El Bishari of Libya, Gerarldo Chirinza of Mozambique, Behrooz Kamalvandi of Iran, Hamzah Yahia of Algeria, Ibrahim A.Hajinez of Azerbaijan and Ali Baz Khan of Pakistan.

The visit to Papua was organized by the Indonesian foreign ministry. The ministry's Director for South and Central Asia M Asruchin was accompanying the foreign diplomat delegation during their stay in Papua.

Before enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake, the eight ambassadors were briefed by Jayapura District Head Habel Suway on the investment opportunities in Jayapura.

"Jayapura is rich in natural resources such as forests, mining in particularly gold and nickel, and tourism objects. The district is also potential to produce water-powered electricity," he said.

However, he admitted that the vast district has relatively small population and is lacking of skilled human resources.

From June 19 to 21, 2008, Jayapura will organize a Cultural Festival of Sentani Lake as parts of the national programs of the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 tourism promotion.

The cultural festival on Sentani Lake would be highlighted with traditional dances to be performed by around 1,200 tribal dancers who would dance on traditional boats of Papua, Suway said.

Visitors of the festival would also be taken to have a close look at the remnants of the Second World War, including the memorial monument of General Mac Arthur, he said.

- Source : Antara News Agency, 22 May 2008