Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies

I am writing with reference to the article in The Jakarta Post, Separatist protest mar Susilo's visit to NZ, dated April 7, and another article titled Direct flights to start between Denpasar, Auckland: Minister dated April 12, which contained inaccurate information concerning the visit of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to New Zealand on April 6 and April 7.

In the aforementioned articles, it was mentioned that during the visit Indonesia signed an MOU and an agreement concerning terrorism and economic sectors, respectively, during the visit, neither of which was the case.

I would like to clarify that during the visit to New Zealand, the government of Indonesia did not sign any MOU nor any other legal document with the New Zealand government. Although there were discussions with regard to enhancing future bilateral cooperation in several fields such as terrorism, education, trade, tourism and aviation, our two governments have not yet moved to the formulation of any specific document or agreement to be signed. The visit was much more focused on the exploration of means to further deepen our bilateral relationship.

In the future, it is our hope that the Post can verify the content of any news with the Department of Foreign Affairs prior its release. This would ensure that your readers are given accurate and updated information.

HAMZAH THAYEB, Director of East Asia and Pacific Department of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta

Note:Thank you for your clarification.

--Editor