REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON - British Foreign Secretary William Hague has expressed his determination to forge strong partnerships with South East Asia, according to Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Speaking to Parliament on Tuesday, the Foreign Secretary said, “As well having one of the world’s most thriving economies, Indonesia is in the vanguard of the political change shaping Asia. This visit will be an opportunity for us to build on the strong partnership established over the last decade."  

“In that time Indonesia’s path from dictatorship to democracy alongside growing prosperity has become an important example to the world. In particular President Yudhoyono’s leadership on climate change and other global issues has underscored the values that our two countries share," he continued.

Then Hague added, “As it is a key voice in South East Asia I am determined to work with Indonesia and its neighbouring countries so that we continue to turn these shared values into shared action and realise the benefits of greater freedom, prosperity and security together.”

South East Asia is a vital engine of global economic growth and in 2012 UK has embraced the opportunities this presents by mounting an unprecedented level of diplomatic engagement in the region. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife, First Lady Ani Bambang Yudhoyono pay a State Visit to the UK from 31 October-2 November. 

Next week the Foreign Secretary will visit Laos, and Thailand including representing the UK at the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Bangkok on 5-6 November. Also in November the UK expects to welcome Prime Minister Yingluck of Thailand.

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