President Benigno S. Aquino III and fellow leaders in the Asia-Pacific region were welcomed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the opening session of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum Friday morning, where he paid tribute to the Indonesian leader as a “big brother.”
President Aquino was greeted by President Yudhoyono upon his arrival at the Bali International Convention Center for the opening of this year’s forum. President Yudhoyono officially opened the 7th Bali Democracy Forum, which carries the theme “Evolving Regional Democratic Architecture: The Challenges of Political Development, Public Participation and Socio-Economic Progress in the 21st Century.”
In his opening statement, the Indonesian leader welcomed all delegates of the forum, saying that their participation in the event reflects their “enduring dedication to the cause of democracy.”
“First of all, on behalf of the government and the people of Indonesia, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to all of you to the beautiful islands of Bali. Your continuous and active participation in this forum reflects your enduring dedication to the cause of promoting democracy,” he said.
President Yudhoyono also thanked President Aquino for his “readiness” to co-chair this year’s Bali Democracy Forum.
President Aquino also paid tribute to outgoing Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, whom he considers a “big brother,” during the 7th Bali Democracy Forum.
President Aquino said Indonesia has worked with the Philippines to address shared challenges, such as securing maritime borders, combating terrorism, and raising awareness on climate change.
“Indonesia has indeed been a true friend to my people,” Aquino, co-chair of this year’s Bali Democracy Forum with President Yudhoyono, said in his remarks.
President Aquino acknowledged the role of Indonesia in the Philippines’ efforts to establish lasting peace in southern Philippines.
“They have supported us in our efforts towards establishing a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, by previously chairing key committees in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and conducting consultation meetings between my government and the Moro National Liberation Front, and by taking part in the International Monitoring Team in our negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” he said.
The President attributed the strengthening relations between the two countries to his Indonesian counterpart, whom he also sees as “an able partner.”
“A leader committed to a vision of mutual prosperity, he sought to find solutions to a longstanding concern between our two peoples, and did so while bearing in mind what is best for all parties,” he said.
With the assuring leadership of Yudhoyono, President Aquino said, the Philippines and Indonesia were able to resolve in an amicable manner the issue concerning the maritime boundaries in the Mindanao Sea and the Celebes Sea.
Last May, the Philippines and Indonesia signed an agreement that draws boundary on the overlapping exclusive economic zones in the Celebes Sea and the Mindanao Sea.
President Aquino also noted that President Yudhoyono’s commitment to the rule of law “has been crucial as we advance the peaceful and just resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.”
“Under President Yudhoyono, not only has Indonesia seen impressive reforms that have redounded to economic growth; Indonesia has likewise emerged as an influential voice in both regional and international affairs,” he said.
The forum, which is being held at the Bali International Convention Center, is also attended by Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah, as well as delegates from 51 participating countries, and 68 international observers. ( PND)
