British envoy visits Indonesia

British envoy visits Indonesia

INDONESIA: Michael Williams, the special adviser to British
Foreign Minister Jack Straw, is in Indonesia until Friday to meet
a number of ministers and religious leaders, according to the
British Embassy in Jakarta on Monday.

Williams' visit as a ministerial envoy from the British
government is part of the ongoing dialog between the United
Kingdom and Indonesia which is aimed at strengthening relations
and cooperation.

Williams, who holds a doctorate in political science, has a
keen interest in Asia, but particularly with Indonesia. He has
written books on Asian politics, international security and
peacekeeping.

In 1975-1976, Williams conducted research on the history of
resistance to the Dutch in West Java from 1920-1950 with the
assistance of the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI). The
research has been published in both English and Indonesian.

"I am delighted to be back in Indonesia. The country has
undergone an impressive transformation -- both political and
economic -- since my first visit in the 1970s. I am looking
forward to discussing developments in Indonesia and the UK with a
number of ministers, academics, religious leaders and old
friends." -- JP