Report: Jaxu
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has met with the President of Indonesia, Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The meeting was held at President Yudhoyono’s retreat in Bali, the Four Seasons Resort.
The two leaders discussed bilateral ties between the two countries, and on ways to enhance relations in the time ahead. President Yudhoyono spoke on the need for greater mutual solidarity and assistance to bringing the two countries closer together. He also highlighted the importance of cooperating on the international front on issues that affect developing countries.
President Yudhoyono recalled President Gayoom’s previous visit to Indonesia, in February 2005. He noted that the two countries had suffered great losses as a result of the December 2004 Tsunami, and highlighted that much work had been done in Indonesia to recover from the disaster.
The Indonesian President commended President Gayoom on delivering an important Address at the Opening of the High-Level Segment of the Bali Conference. He noted that climate change posed grave dangers for both Indonesia and the Maldives.
President Gayoom thanked President Yudhoyono, his Government and the people of Indonesia for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him, the First Lady and the members of the delegation. He said that it was a great pleasure to return to Indonesia, and spoke on the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Bali.
President Gayoom praised President Yudhoyono for his leadership role in the fight against climate change, and the excellent arrangements made for the Bali Conference. He also highlighted President Yudhoyono’s personal commitment to improving the environment, including initiatives to plant millions of trees across the country.
President Yudhoyono noted that President Gayoom had been at the forefront of the climate debate for over 20 years, and that the wealth of experience that he brought with him was an important contribution in ensuring that the outcome of the Bali Conference would be a success. He also thanked President Gayoom for his kind words in his speech earlier in the day.
The two leaders also agreed that Australia’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol was an important boost for the negotiations, and congratulated Prime Minister Rudd for his initiative.
They also spoke on other areas of cooperation and assistance.
After the meeting, the President granted a brief interview to Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI) – the national TV station of Indonesia, and some of the major radio channels in the country. He spoke on his meeting with President Yudhoyono, and his speech at the Conference.
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