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Remarks Following a Meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia in Bali November 18, 2011

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Remarks Following a Meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia in Bali November 18, 2011 Nov. 18 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2011 shown towards ethnic minorities, and the con- Last night I spoke to Aung San Suu Kyi di- centration of power in the hands of a few mili- rectly and confirmed that she supports Ameri- tary leaders has challenged our conscience and can engagement to move this process forward. isolated Burma from the United States and So today I’ve asked Secretary Hillary Clinton much of the world. to go to Burma. She will be the first American However, we have always had a profound Secretary of State to travel to the country in respect for the people of Burma and the prom- over half a century, and she will explore wheth- ise of their country, a country with a rich histo- er the United States can empower a positive ry, at the crossroads of East and West; a people transition in Burma and begin a new chapter with a quiet dignity and extraordinary poten- between our countries. tial. For many years, both the promise and the That possibility will depend upon the Bur- persecution of the Burmese people has been mese Government taking more concrete ac- symbolized by Aung San Suu Kyi. As the tion. If Burma fails to move down the path of daughter of Burma’s founding father and a reform, it will continue to face sanctions and fierce advocate for her fellow citizens, she’s en- isolation. But if it seizes this moment, then rec- dured prison and house arrest, just as so many onciliation can prevail and millions of people Burmese have endured repression. may get the chance to live with a greater mea- Yet after years of darkness, we’ve seen flick- sure of freedom, prosperity, and dignity. And ers of progress in these last several weeks. that possibility is too important to ignore. President Thein Sein and the Burmese Parlia- Later today I’ll reinforce these messages in ment have taken important steps on the path America’s meeting with ASEAN, including toward reform. A dialogue between the Gov- with President Thein Sein. Meanwhile, when ernment and Aung San Suu Kyi has begun. she travels to Nay Pyi Taw and Rangoon, Hill- The Government has released some political ary will have the chance to deliver that mes- prisoners, media restrictions have been re- sage to the Government, to civil society, and to laxed, and legislation has been approved that democratic activists like Aung San Suu Kyi. could open the political environment. So taken Again, there’s more that needs to be done to together, these are the most important steps pursue the future that the Burmese people de- toward reform in Burma that we’ve seen in serve, a future of reconciliation and renewal. years. But today we’ve decided to take this step to re- Of course, there’s far more to be done. We spond to the positive developments in Burma remain concerned about Burma’s closed politi- and to clearly demonstrate America’s commit- cal system, its treatment of minorities and ment to the future of an extraordinary country, holding of political prisoners, and its relation- a courageous people, and universal values. ship with North Korea. But we want to seize Thank you very much. what could be a historic opportunity for prog- ress and make it clear that if Burma continues NOTE: The President spoke at 12:42 p.m. at to travel down the road of democratic reform, the Grand Hyatt Bali hotel. In his remarks, he it can forge a new relationship with the United referred to National League for Democracy in States of America. Burma Leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Remarks Following a Meeting With President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia in Bali November 18, 2011 President Obama. Selamat malam. Terima for your tremendous leadership and that of In- kasih, President Yudhoyono. Thank you so donesia as you host both ASEAN and the East much for welcoming us here today. Thank you Asia Summit. And this speaks to your commit- 1452 226-381_text_CX.pdf 644 9/16/15 12:03 PM Administration of Barack Obama, 2011 / Nov. 18 ment to the region, as well as Indonesia’s role economic development, public health, and im- as an important leader. proved public services in Indonesia. Let me say the obvious: It is wonderful to be With regard to security, we agreed to a back in Bali. This is the first time I’ve been number of steps that will expand our coopera- here in 18 years. I have to say, 18 years ago, tion, including training and support to help the this entire development did not exist. So it’s a Indonesian military as it modernizes. And I’d sign of the remarkable development that has note that this kind of defense cooperation not taken place here. It is always a pleasure to be only helps build Indonesia’s capacity to ensure here and to have the opportunity to exchange its own security, it helps Indonesia play an ac- views with my friend President Yudhoyono. tive role in promoting security in the region. I’m pleased to be here as the first U.S. Pres- Finally, I conveyed to President Yudhoyono ident to attend the East Asia Summit. This is our appreciation of Indonesia’s regional lead- another example of how the United States is ership, which has helped us to achieve real refocusing on the Asia-Pacific and engaging progress on issues like disaster relief, maritime more deeply in regional organizations so we security, and nonproliferation. And I thanked can meet our common challenges together. him for Indonesia’s efforts to promote democ- racy and human rights and advance security Our meeting just now focused on the grow- and peace. ing relationship between our two nations. So as I said, I wanted to thank President When I was here last year, we agreed to forge a Yudhoyono for welcoming me back to Indone- comprehensive partnership across a whole sia again. I know we’re all very grateful for his range of areas, and today we reviewed the leadership and for the hospitality of the Indo- progress that we’re making. nesian people and the people of Bali as they On the economic front, we welcome the host these two important summits. And just as completion of a deal that I witnessed this we deepen the partnership between our two morning, the decision of Indonesia’s Lion Air nations, I am looking forward to the progress to purchase up to 230 Boeing aircraft, worth at that we can make as a region towards greater least $20 billion and possibly much, much security and prosperity for all of us. more. This is one of the largest commercial So, President Yudhoyono, thank you very transactions ever between our two countries, much. and it’s a sign of just how much potential our President Yudhoyono. Terima kasih. Thank relationship has. you. Today we’re also signing, as President Yud- President Obama. Terima kasih. hoyono mentioned, a Millennium Challenge Corporation compact that will provide $600 NOTE: The President spoke at 6:53 p.m. at the million to support environmentally sustainable Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center. Joint Statement by President Obama and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoy- ono of Indonesia November 18, 2011 1. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono 2. President Obama expressed the United and President Barack Obama met in Bali on States’ admiration for Indonesia’s democratic November 18, 2011. The two presidents reaf- transformation, and the two presidents reaf- firmed the deepening engagement between firmed their commitment to strengthen democra- the two countries on regional and global is- cy and human rights in their own societies. Presi- sues since establishing the U.S.-Indonesia dent Obama welcomed Indonesia’s leadership of Comprehensive Partnership in November the Bali Democracy Forum as part of Indonesia’s 2010. democracy promotion efforts. President Obama 1453 226-381_text_CX.pdf 645 9/16/15 12:03 PM.
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