Hillary Clinton with Indonesian Foreign Minister Noer Hassan Wirajuda

Remarks With Indonesian Foreign Minister Noer Hassan Wirajuda After Their Meeting

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

June 8, 2009

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SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, good afternoon. And it is a pleasure to welcome Indonesia’s foreign minister. Mr. Wirajuda and I have already met in Jakarta, we’ve talked on the phone on important matters, and it’s a very wonderful part of my position to be able to have him here to continue the productive conversation we started in February.
Today, we renewed our commitment to build a comprehensive partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interests. We are working together on a number of common concerns for our two countries, the region, and the world. Indonesia and the United States share a vision for a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia. We also share a commitment to democratic values, human rights, and a vibrant civil society. The American people have the greatest respect for what the Indonesian people have accomplished in the last decade.
Indonesia is now the world’s third largest democracy, and it is taking the lead on a broad range of regional and international issues, including the promotion of democracy. Through their commitment to democracy, religious freedom, and women’s rights, Indonesians uphold the values that President Obama described in his speech last week in Cairo, values that are fundamental – fundamental to Indonesia and the United States: justice, progress, tolerance.
Earlier today, I met with activists working to support democracy and human rights across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as with leaders who are advocating for religious freedom across the world. And for all who work hard and risk a great deal to stand up for these universal values, the example of Indonesia gives hope and confidence of a brighter future.
Today, I am pleased to announce that we are deepening our cooperation and committing $10 million in higher education funding for Indonesia this fiscal year, including projects for English language teaching and encouraging U.S.-Indonesia educational linkages. Also a group of American educators will travel to Indonesia this summer to explore additional opportunities for collaboration between our universities. Just as it is in the United States, education is the key to expanding economic opportunity in Indonesia and allowing people to live up to their full potential. And these people-to-people connections will further bind our countries together.
We also discussed the importance of ASEAN for regional stability and prosperity, our countries’ mutual interests in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and I thank the foreign minister for Indonesia’s leadership in supporting democratic values, and underscored our commitment to the Bali Democracy Forum.
We also discussed the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi. Let me again reiterate that the charges against her are baseless, and we call for her immediate release. Indonesia, like other ASEAN countries, have also spoken out about her plight and urged her immediate release, and we greatly appreciate that.
I look forward to continuing to work with the foreign minister and the Indonesian Government on all of these issues. And I am confident that our relationship will grow stronger and deeper in the future.
Thank you so much, Minister.
FOREIGN MINISTER WIRAJUDA: Thank you very much, Secretary Hillary Clinton, for your kind remarks, including on the progress that we’ve made in Indonesia during the past ten years of reformasi we call it. The purpose of my working visit to Washington is to follow up our discussions during the visit of Secretary Clinton to Jakarta last February during which we agreed to develop comprehensive partnerships between Indonesia and the United States. By the comprehensive partnerships, we mean agreement to expand and deepens the bilateral relation between Indonesia and the United States.
Indonesia strongly believes, as we do share the fundamental values of democracy, human rights, and (inaudible), we have more reasons to be able to develop stronger relations with the United States. In fact, as we are continuing our discussions on the format as well as the substantive coverage of the partnerships, we agreed to start working on the promotions in areas that we thought we could start to develop a productive cooperations (inaudible) in the promotions of people-to-people exchange on educations, and I am grateful that the United States has extended assistance of $10 million U.S. to support the program.
I would – likewise – we are very encouraged that as immediate translations of President Obama’s message and call made in Cairo that the U.S. Government is intending to develop a bilateral dialogue, an interfaith dialogue and cooperation, something that we are in Indonesia proud of our various initiative in promoting both bilateral, regional, all regional dialogues with many countries and regions. And I think this is a noble effort to have – we have better understanding among peoples around the world.
We follow attentively and I personally read the statement made by President Obama. We welcome the statement. And I thought it might – I may claim that the message is also ours. And I thought that Indonesia could be a good partner in the U.S. efforts to reach out to the Muslim world, after all the call for democracy, respect for human rights, including the rights of women and to promote democracy and Islam to go hand in hand is something that we have been doing in Indonesia. This adds to more reasons why we should develop a – partnerships with the United States.
As Secretary of State has just mentioned, that we discussed other issues of concern, including the unfortunate development in Myanmar, in particular, the decisions of the military junta to bring Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to trial. Of course, this unfortunate development, because actually we were expecting that the case of the (inaudible) detentions of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, should have been reviewed last month with the view to release her. So that’s why we strong – we issued a very strong statement on the current case of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and we remind Myanmar of its obligation under the new ASEAN charter, and likewise through the previous calls by made by our leaders to immediately release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
We thank Secretary of State’s statements on the U.S. to support our Bali Democracy Forum. I think it’s important and very strategic that Indonesia and the United States works closely together in sharing our experience and best practices in the countries and, in particular, in the regions of Asia. I thank you very much.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much.
MR. KELLY: First question is for Andrea Mitchell from NBC.
QUESTION: Thank you. Madame Secretary, can you come up with any explanation for the harsh sentence that Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been given by the North Koreans? And do you think that there is anything that a special envoy such as the Former Vice President Al Gore might be able to accomplish in negotiating their release? And more broadly, is U.S. policy at cross purposes? You’re trying to get these women out, at the same time that you’re ratcheting up pressure on Pyongyang for other military reasons? So how do you coordinate and synchronize those policies? Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Andrea, we continue to seek the release of the two detained journalists on humanitarian grounds. Our protecting power in the DPRK is the Swedish Embassy and Pyongyang, and they confirmed the sentencing of both Laura Ling and Euna Lee. And our thoughts are with these two young women and their families. I have spoken with family members and expressed our concern, as well as our commitment to securing the release of our citizens. Obviously, we are deeply concerned about the length of the sentences and the fact that this trial was conducted totally in secret with no observers. And we’re engaged in all possible ways through every possible channel to secure their release. And we, once again, urge North Korea to grant their immediate release on humanitarian grounds.
QUESTION: Can you – can you say whether an envoy might be helpful and whether you’ve sent a letter that has been suggested, explaining the circumstances of their being on the border, and whether you have a concern that our efforts at the UN to get sanctions right now and put more pressure on North Korea for other reasons could slow down this negotiation?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I think for understandable reasons, I’m not going to go into our private diplomatic efforts. We are pursuing every possible approach that we can consider in order to persuade the North Koreans to release them and send these young women home. We view these as entirely separate matters. We think the imprisonment trial and sentencing of Laura, Euna, should be viewed as a humanitarian matter. We hope that the North Koreans will grant clemency and deport them. There are other concerns that we and the international community have with North Korea, but those are separate and apart from what’s happening to the two journalists.
MR. KELLY: Our next question from (inaudible).
QUESTION: Thank you. I was wondering whether you both discussed about military assistance to Indonesia, and whether it is included in the comprehensive partnership? And apart from that, is there any new scheme made by the U.S. to make sure that the military assistance to Indonesia is extended, especially in terms of arms supply? Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: As part of our comprehensive partnership, we are going to be discussing military and defense matters. We want to have closer connections with Indonesia and a military-to-military relationship. And that will be discussed and resolved in the course of our partnership. But clearly, the Obama Administration sees the progress in Indonesia in very positive terms, and we want to cooperate across every issue – health, education, cultural exchanges, military, economic – so that will be a part of our overall framework.
MR. KELLY: Next question goes to Nick Kralev from Washington Times.
QUESTION: Thank you. Madame Secretary, can you tell us, how does the outcome of the election in Lebanon yesterday change the dynamic that you’ve got with Syria and in the broader Middle East? And if I may, how is the State Department going to be involved in the investigation of the former State Department employee accused of spying for Cuba? Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Nick, first of all, I congratulate the people of Lebanon for holding a peaceful election yesterday. The turnout was high. Obviously, the very positive involvement by the Lebanese people in their elections demonstrates once again their commitment to peace and security and the strength of their democracy. So we will continue to support a sovereign and independent Lebanon, and we are hopeful that the Lebanese themselves will be able to resolve some of their internal concerns without outside interference.
With respect to the investigation that is ongoing, I have directed our security personnel to review every possible security program we have, every form of vetting and clearance that we employ in the State Department, to determine what more we can do to guard against this kind of outrageous violation of the oaths that people take to serve our country here in the State Department. We are concerned by the announcement of the arrests and the charges against these two individuals, one of whom, as you know, was a former State Department employee, along with his wife. And we will work with the Department of Justice and others within our government to make sure that any information that is needed is provided for the investigation and prosecution, but equally importantly, that we look forward to make sure that we try to prevent something like this from ever happening again.
MR. KELLY: And the last question from (inaudible).
QUESTION: Thank you, I have two questions. The first one is Indonesia will hold a presidential election next month, so what does U.S. hope (inaudible) in this election? And do you expect any changes to be brought or should be brought by the next president in terms of Indonesian foreign policy towards United States?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, of course, the elections are an internal Indonesian matter. We applaud the continuing growth and dynamism of the democracy in Indonesia. We look forward to working with the Indonesian Government. We have very much appreciated our relationship with the existing administration. It has been very positive and constructive, and we look forward to working with the government that the people of Indonesia choose.
But what is so significant about this election is the further example it sets. As the minister was saying, Indonesia represents the fact that Islam and democracy are not in contradiction. Indonesia is building a modern secular democracy that respects Islam and respects women’s rights. We are so impressed with the steps that have been taken in Indonesia, and we applaud the Bali Democracy Forum because we think that is a way for other countries that are just beginning their transition to democracy or are thinking about whether to begin to see it in action. And this election next month is a great testament to the commitment of the Indonesian people to democracy.
Thank you all very much.

Hillary Clinton With Indonesian Foreign Minister Noer Hassan Wirajuda

Developing a Comprehensive Partnership With Indonesia

Press Availability

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State, Secretary of State

Remarks With Indonesian Foreign Minister Noer Hassan Wirajuda

Jakarta, Indonesia

February 18, 2009

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FOREIGN MINISTER WIRAJUDA: Your Excellencies, Secretary of State of the United States, Mrs. Hillary Clinton, friends and members of the press, I wish to once again express my warmest welcome to Excellency Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton and members of her delegation (inaudible). We are honored and humbled by your visit to Indonesia as part of your first foreign trip and visit (inaudible) of President Obama’s Administration.

As the host country in which President Obama spent his (inaudible) years, the government and people of Indonesia have the finest expectations of the success of this Administration. The Secretary of State and I, accompanied by members of respective delegations, just concluded our bilateral talk. At bilateral meeting, we have covered a wide range of issues, bilateral, as you know, as well as global issues of common concern.

The United States is a very important partner of Indonesia. Our bilateral relations have been growing from strength to strength, and we have the basis to further – to strengthen them further. We warmly welcome firm commitment of Obama’s Administration for (inaudible) partnerships with Indonesia and the rest of Asia. I share the view of Secretary Clinton that there exists (inaudible) ground for cooperation as we both pluralistic and tolerant society. And on its own, Indonesia is not only country with largest Muslim populations, but as we have proven here, democracy, Islam and modernity can go hand in hand. And as an active promoter of dialogue among civilizations, religions and cultures, Indonesia will be a good partner of United States in reaching out to the Muslim world.

We agreed to expand and deepen our bilateral cooperation within a comprehensive partnerships, having concrete agendas (inaudible) economy, trade, investment, education, health, climate change, security cooperation (inaudible), and enhanced people to people contacts, including exchanges of youths and students.

We agreed that the cooperation to promote prosperity and welfare of the people is as equally important as promoting democracy; hence, democracy and prosperity are mutually reinforcing. We will be working closely to promote development cooperation to help Indonesia attain the Millennium Development Goals in line with the (inaudible) the primacy of development that Obama’s Administration wishes to promote around the world.

As a developing economy, Indonesia will be affected negatively by (inaudible) global financial crisis, in spite of the fact that we still expect positive economic growth this year. We will continue to consult each other on the extent the United States can help Indonesia in coping with financial crisis.

(Inaudible) in Southeast Asia through ASEAN in light of (inaudible) process in East Asia as well as and of the Asia Pacific. ASEAN is in the beginning of this transformation process (inaudible).

We welcome the (inaudible) United States to see the success of the integration process of ASEAN. ASEAN wishes to see more active engagement of the United States, including by appointing a U.S. ambassador to ASEAN and its future accession to the ASEAN (inaudible) committee and cooperation.

We would like also to see that the United States, as an important transpacific power, is high priority on (inaudible) in Asia Pacific regions. This high priority beginning to be reflected by the visit of Secretary Clinton to our region. East Asia (inaudible) dynamic region, and (inaudible) process. We in Indonesia are now beginning to talk about the future of East Asia and Asia Pacific community.

As there is no (inaudible) architecture yet, we appreciate the constructive contributions of the United States in shaping of the new architecture of the Asia Pacific region (inaudible) cooperation.

Lastly, we also discussed several global issues, such as finding solutions to the Palestinian conflict and Middle East situation in general, and on (inaudible) global peace and security, including the issues of disarmament and nonproliferation in Asia and in other parts of the world.

May I now invite Secretary Clinton to address the press.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and I thank you for welcoming me so warmly to Indonesia. This is my first trip as Secretary of State, but it is not my first trip to Indonesia. And it is wonderful to be back here. I have such fond memories of my past visits and very high hopes for the future of the United States and Indonesia relationship.

The United States recognizes the importance of Indonesia, and I bring greetings from President Obama, who has himself said and written about the importance of his time here in Indonesia as a young boy. It gave him an insight into not only this diverse and vibrant culture, but the capacity for people of different backgrounds to live harmoniously together. And it is no accident that on my first trip as Secretary of State I’ve come to this country.

The minister and I spoke about a number of issues, first and foremost the desire on the part of both of our presidents and our countries to form a comprehensive partnership, one that provides a framework for advancing our common interests on a range of regional and global issues, from environmental protection and climate change to trade and investment, from democracy promotion to health and education, from regional security, to counterterrorism. It is exactly the kind of comprehensive partnership that we believe will drive both democracy and development.

The United States and Indonesia share more than interests. We do share common values. We have both embraced democracy. Indonesia has experienced a great transformation in the past ten years, building strong and growing institutions, welcoming and developing a vibrant civil society, and at the same time respecting human rights in a successful fight against terrorism and extremism, ending sectarian and separatist conflicts, and working to make the world a safer place for global trade and for human rights.

Indonesia and the United States are both members of the G-20, and we have an obligation to help restore global growth and economic prosperity. Each country is dealing with these problems, but no country can do this alone. And although Indonesia does project a positive growth rate, it is clear that Indonesia needs support from its friends and allies here in Asia and around the world.

We also have common interests and responsibilities when it comes to climate change. Traveling with me is the Special Envoy for Climate Change that President Obama and I appointed, Todd Stern. Indonesia and the United States are two of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses, and both of us must be a comprehensive partner in the constructive solutions that await. I really applaud Indonesia for hosting the Bali climate conference and to help set the framework for what we will need to do together and to integrate deforestation into the broader climate negotiations. We discussed our efforts heading toward Copenhagen to make sure that we build on the good work that was done here in Bali.

We discussed a number of other specific issues, including how to move forward on Burma to achieve the goal of allowing the people of Burma to live freely and select their own leadership. And I, again, thank Indonesia for working both bilaterally and through ASEAN on behalf of that goal. This was the epitome of a working visit. And let me report a few of the other conclusions that we reached.

First, we discussed bringing the Peace Corps back to Indonesia. And I’m pleased to announce that the Peace Corps will be negotiating an agreement for a program here in Indonesia.

Secondly, we have renewed our Fulbright Scholarship Agreement. Our two countries have signed the memorandum of understanding extending the Fulbright program for five years in the run-up to my visit.

Third, we talked about the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact for Indonesia. Indonesia has earned the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact eligibility status because of its impressive reform agenda and results. And I’m pleased to announce that a Millennium Challenge Corporation team will visit this spring to begin another exciting new partnership to work with Indonesia on its goals of reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. This remained an important point. Democracy and prosperity must advance together. And that is a goal that we share as well.

Fourth, we discussed a proposed United States-Indonesia science and technology agreement, which would provide a framework for U.S. science and technology agencies to work with their Indonesian counterparts. This week, we are providing a draft proposal for the Indonesian Government to consider, and we will be engaging in negotiations.

Let me close by saying that building a partnership, a comprehensive partnership with Indonesia is a critical step on behalf of the United States’ commitment to smart power, to listening as well as talking with those around the world, to supporting a country that has demonstrated so clearly, as the minister said that Islam, democracy, and modernity not only can co-exist, but thrive together. And so I look forward to the deeper and broader relationship between our two countries. Thank you very much.

MODERATOR: (Inaudible) be brief and (inaudible).

QUESTION: (Inaudible) newspaper. (Inaudible) a need to show the Islamic world that Washington wants to open new chapter (inaudible). How far do you think that strong relations between the United States and Indonesia will support the goals of Washington to open a new chapter with the Islamic world? And we still remember your statement in the Asia Society that we want to support Indonesia because Indonesia proposed (inaudible) as democracy. So what do you – what do you think about the area of cooperation that we could go forward (inaudible)?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I’m very committed to the relationship between our two countries. And that is why we are entering into developing a comprehensive partnership, one that covers all of the areas that the minister and I discussed and that we both have just mentioned. And the Obama Administration wants to reach out to the entire world. We believe that there are opportunities for us to engage with nations that have similar values and visions of the kind of future that we need to share. United States and Asia have a common future. The question is: How will we share it together and how do we make it more prosperous and peaceful for all of our people? And certainly, Indonesia being the largest Muslim nation in the world, the third largest democracy, will play a leading role in the promotion of that shared future. So we are looking forward to deepening our cooperation on a number of issues.

MR. WOOD: Next question, Glenn Kessler, The Washington Post.

QUESTION: Yes. Madame Secretary, regarding your Burma review, there are currently 2,137 political prisoners rotting in remote locations in that country. And the UN envoy has twice been refused a meeting with the junta leader Than Shwe. Why do you think that possibly easing sanctions could influence a regime that is impervious to world opinion?

And to the foreign minister, Indonesia has been a leader on the subject of Burma. What do you think were the necessary next steps?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Glenn, I appreciate your asking that question because the minister and I have had a very positive exchange about the challenges that Burma poses. The unfortunate fact that Burma seems impervious to influence from anyone – and certainly Indonesia and the other ASEAN nations have attempted to intervene with Burma. But we are conducting a review, because we want to see the best ideas about how to influence the Burmese regime. And we are looking at every possible idea that can be presented.

Clearly, the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn’t influenced the Burmese junta. But as the minister pointed out in our working meeting, reaching out and trying to engage them hasn’t influenced them either. So this is a problem for not just Indonesia and the United States, but for the entire region. And we’re going to work closely, we’re going to consult with Indonesia for ideas about how best to try to bring about the positive change in Burma.

FOREIGN MINISTER WIRAJUDA: We always discuss the issue of Myanmar in a very open and frank manner (inaudible) also within ASEAN. We are going to have the ASEAN summit end of this month. And certainly, the issue of Myanmar will be again discussed for the initial as well as summit level. Myanmar has promised to organize what they call multiparty election next year under the new constitution. We must ensure that (inaudible) process needed leading to get elections. (Inaudible) will be (inaudible) of these particular neighboring countries to engage more closely with Myanmar. We see the importance of seeing the problem of Myanmar in much wider context, not only upon the lack of democracy and human rights, but concern of Myanmar on emotional (inaudible) to be national sovereignty. It is a real problem for them.

Secondly, on the dire situation, economic situation and monetary situations that the people of Myanmar are really suffering from. So I think together, the international community, ASEAN countries start work together in more comprehensive manner with the hope, of course, that this would potentially bring Myanmar to (inaudible) progress which support the strength that’s been described to many of us, including the ASEAN countries. What’s perhaps positive that Myanmar has opened itself by providing a charter to promote the ASEAN charter, including on the obligations of every member of ASEAN to promote democracy and human rights. We will ask that the commitment and the observance of Myanmar to (inaudible) a commitment under the charter, what they have done, what they have not for a better – something that I think in that context – we did not (inaudible) at least, unlike in the past, we’ll have a creative process (inaudible).

QUESTION: Okay. Thank you. My name is (inaudible). I have a question (inaudible) Mr. Wirajuda. (Inaudible) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as we get closer to this teamwork? So how do you comment on this point (inaudible)?

FOREIGN MINISTER WIRAJUDA: From your first question, I (inaudible). We welcome the past announcements of President Obama’s Administration, which would give as a matter of importance the smart power, power of persuasions and using more soft power, and its recommendation to reach out, not only to the Islamic world, but also to each of us (inaudible).

We welcome, as expressed by Secretary Hillary Clinton, that the early engagement of the past administrations on the Palestine-Israeli problem. And of course, it’s difficult (inaudible), but Indonesia would like very much to work closely with the (inaudible) parties concerned of the United States on how the Palestine-Israeli conflict can be resolved. Likewise, I would welcome, for example, the offer that the U.S. administration has extended to Iraq to solve the problems of the Iranian nuclear issue together. This is a new lines – policy lines that we very much welcome, but likewise on the – our (inaudible) relations you have heard already of our statements just made that need to promote a comprehensive partnership with Indonesia and the United States. This is a complex case that translates in policy announcements of the United States under President Obama’s Administration.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, following up on that, with regard to Iran, your envoy, Mr. Holbrooke – Ambassador Holbrooke has suggested that there are positive things that Iran could do to be helpful toward Afghanistan. What would you like to see Iran do, and could this be one avenue that would open a dialogue with Iran?

And Mr. Minister, following up on the engagement toward your country and the Muslim world, and particularly in your country, would you expect and like to see President Obama visit Indonesia and perhaps make his first major to address the Muslim world here in this country, which is of such important – personal significance to him?

SECRETARY CLINTON: I think that’s an easy question. (Laughter.) As you know, we are conducting an extensive set of reviews of the policies that we inherited. Clearly, President Obama campaigned on change. And what we are attempting to do is chart a path forward that results in positive change for the United States and for our friends and allies and partners around the world, and with respect to challenges that we confront.

When we talk about engaging countries, we look very carefully at what that could mean in the context in which the discussion takes place. Specifically, with respect to Ambassador Holbrooke’s comment regarding a potential contribution of Iran in Afghanistan, it is a reality that Iran neighbors Afghanistan, that there are refugees who fled the Taliban, who took up residence in Iran, that in the early days of our efforts to free the people of Afghanistan from the oppressive rule of the Taliban, there were ongoing contacts between our ambassador in Kabul and the Iranian ambassador. So I think Ambassador Holbrooke is stating the obvious, that in order to deal with Afghanistan, the neighbors of that country must be included. Now, the form in which that takes place, the subjects to be discussed, is a matter to be determined later.

But what we are attempting to do in the Obama Administration is to marry our principles with pragmatism, to determine how we can work together with people who care about solving the problems we face in order to produce that more peaceful, prosperous, and progressive future that President Obama campaigned for.

FOREIGN MINISTER WIRAJUDA: President Obama has a very strong constituency here in Indonesia, of course without the right to vote. (Laughter.) But (inaudible) people of the United States for the presidential elections in the United States very closely. And we share the joy of these (inaudible) connections. This government, and the people of Indonesia, would like very much to welcome President Obama on his trip to Indonesia. And I can say that we cannot wait too long. (Laughter.) And I wish that Secretary Clinton (inaudible) with President Obama.

 

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