SBY: Much to Lose if Friendship Falters

SBY PRESIDENCY

Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has told the Australian Parliament that the two countries are stakeholders in a common future, with much to lose if the relationship falters. Mr Yudhoyono is the first Indonesian president to address a joint sitting of Parliament and said he was greatly honoured to do so.

He told MPs and senators the relationship between the two countries was solid and strong, but that an effort must be made to nurture the partnership. He said he also wanted Australians to understand that Indonesia was "more than a beach playground with coconut trees".

"We have to continue to earn each other's trust," he said. "Australia and Indonesia have a great future together.

"We are not just neighbours. We are not just friends. We are strategic partners. We are equal stakeholders in a common future, with much to gain if we get this relationship right and much to lose if we get it wrong."

Mr Yudhoyono also acknowledged that the relationship had not always been easy, with periods "burdened by mistrust". He singled out East Timor's bid for independence as a time when things hit an "all-time low".

"There were moments when we felt like our world was just too far apart," he said.

But he said Indonesians now looked upon Australia differently. Mr Yudhoyono said Australia and Indonesia were united by grief and he would always remember the help given after the 2004 tsunami, as well as the aid his country gave Australia during the Victorian bushfires.

"I was so proud to see Australian soldiers and the TNI troops working together to save lives [during the tsunami]," he said.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd praised Mr Yudhoyono's leadership and welcomed him to Parliament.

"In doing so we symbolise the profound changes that have occurred in the relationship between our two countries," he said.

"Mr president, we welcome you as our neighbour. We welcome you as our friend.

"Our modern friendship has been forged in much adversity, an adversity which has deepened rather than strained the bonds between us."

Mr Rudd said despite being very different countries, Australia and Indonesia were working well together.

"We are ambitious for the future of our relationship," he said.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said both countries can work together to stop people smuggling.

"People smuggling has started again and we can stop it again provided it is done cooperatively," he said.

Mr Yudhoyono is only the fifth world leader to address a joint sitting of Parliament in its 110-year history.

Earlier today he and Mr Rudd agreed to work together to combat people smuggling and terrorism in the region. They also pledged to hold yearly meetings between the two countries' senior ministers.(KOMPAS.com)

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