MFA Press Statement: Visit By Minister For Foreign Affairs George Yeo To Jakarta: Meeting With Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, 8 November 2007

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo called on Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta today. Minister Yeo briefed President Yudhoyono on Singapore's preparations for the ASEAN, East Asia and ASEAN-EU Summits. President Yudhoyono and Minister Yeo agreed that the upcoming ASEAN Summit would be a historic one with the signing of the ASEAN Charter.

President Yudhoyono expressed his full support for the climate change agenda of the ASEAN, East Asia and ASEAN-EU Summits in Singapore. President Yudhoyono and Minister Yeo agreed that the discussions on climate change at these meetings would provide positive impetus for the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) meetings in Bali this December.

Minister Yeo and President Yudhoyono also discussed developments in Myanmar. Minister Yeo briefed President Yudhoyono on his recent informal consultations with China and Japan on this issue. They agreed that ASEAN and regional countries should continue to extend their fullest support to the mission of the United Nations Secretary General's Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari to bring national reconciliation to Myanmar.

Minister Yeo noted the recent positive development when the Indonesian Parliament pass a law designating Free Trade Zones (FTZs) in Batam, Bintan and Karimun (BBK), and encouraged the Indonesian government to build on this progress to make BBK a more attractive investment venue. President Yudhoyono reaffirmed the Indonesian government's commitment to cooperation with Singapore to make the FTZs in BBK a success.

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
8 NOVEMBER 2007