NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY HOLDS BILATERAL MEETING WITH INDONESIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
July 28, 2000 ( 12:55 p.m. EDT) No. 188
AXWORTHY HOLDS BILATERAL MEETING
WITH INDONESIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy expressed satisfaction at the results of a
bilateral meeting he held today with Indonesian Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab. The
exchange took place in Bangkok, Thailand where both Ministers are attending annual
meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
In their first bilateral encounter, Mr. Axworthy and Mr. Shibab agreed to enhance
relations between both countries by relaunching the Bilateral Consultative Forum,
established in 1997, and to work together on a Canada-Indonesia Human Rights
Colloquium to be held in Indonesia, in early 2001. The Ministers also discussed a wide
range of issues including political and economic reforms being instituted by President
Wahid's government, co-operation on human rights and the situation in West Timor.
"Canada welcomes the political and economic reforms being instituted by the
Indonesian government," said Mr. Axworthy. "Both countries are now seeking to
enhance relations by re-establishing an official framework for regular dialogue. I also
look forward to substantive dialogue on human rights at the next Canada-Indonesia
Human Rights Colloquium, which Indonesia has agreed to host."
Canada and Indonesia signed a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Bilateral
Consultative Forum on July 30, 1997. The Declaration, designed to broaden relations
and enhance mutual confidence and understanding, provided a framework under which
both governments could discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of common
interest. Political upheaval in Indonesia in 1998 and 1999 precluded further meetings
under this Declaration.
Under the Bilateral Consultative Forum, Canada and Indonesia co-hosted a bilateral
human rights colloquium in Jakarta, October 29 to 30, 1997. The first follow-up to this
meeting will take place in early 2001 in Indonesia.
Canada regularly raises the issue of human rights with Indonesian officials. In addition,
The Canadian Human Rights Commission and its Indonesian counterpart, KOMNAS
HAM have co-operated since an agreement was signed in 1995.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
|