MEDIA ALERT

30 August 2016

Indonesian Foreign Minister addresses Indonesia Australia Dialogue

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Retno L.P. Marsudi, delivered the keynote address at the 3^rd Indonesia Australia Dialogue hosted by the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) and the Australia Indonesia Centre (AIC) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia this week.

The Minister’s address was the highlight of two days’ discussion between 40 political, business, social, cultural and academic leaders from Australia and Indonesia as part of the two countries’ official bilateral liaison.

“We are pleased to be able to enable these significant discussions that are a vital part of one of Australia’s most important bilateral relationships,” said AIIA National Executive Director Melissa Conley Tyler who is attending.

“The address by Her Excellency Retno Marsudi is a sign of the commitment to strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and Australia.”

Jointly convened by former Australia Ambassador to Jakarta John McCarthy AO and former Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Hamzah Thayeb, the 2016 Indonesia Australia Dialogue (IAD) was held on 29-30 August with funding from both the Australian and Indonesian governments.

“Face-to-face meetings between leaders across business, culture and politics ensure that Australia’s relationship with its largest neighbour continues to increase in its breadth as well as depth,” said AIC Director, Paul Ramadge.

“It was most noteworthy that Minister Retno stressed the similarities in core values of Australia and Indonesia, particularly with regard to their commitment to democracy and also to social pluralism.”

The aim of the dialogue is to increase understanding and interaction between Australia and Indonesia. In this way, it is intended to advance the Comprehensive Partnership signed by the two countries in 2005.

Australian 2016 IAD participants included former Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon John Anderson AO and former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Trade and Minister for Defence, Professor the Hon Stephen Smith.

Media Inquiries: 

Annabel McGilvray 0405 260 919 annabel.mcgilvray@internationalaffairs.org.au

Melissa Conley Tyler is available for interview.