Bali, Indonesia – Indonesia today congratulated the Philippines for its milestone ceasefire agreement with the MILF and offered Indonesia’s full support for the MILF peace process.

“I met today with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda, and he conveyed to me the message of congratulations of the Indonesian Government, on top of which he offered the full support of his government for our efforts at securing peace in the Southern Philippines,” Secretary Ople said.

Secretary Ople and Minister Wirajuda are in Bali, Indonesia, together with the foreign ministers and heads of delegations from Asia and Europe for the 5th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

“I told Minister Wirajuda that our current success in our peace process with the MILF finds inspiration from the success of the peace process with the MNLF wherein the Indonesian Government had played a crucial role,” the Secretary added.

During their meeting, Minister Wirajuda reiterated Indonesia’s offer of assistance in finding and arresting Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi.  “I told Minister Wirajuda that we appreciate the offer of assistance. He also told me that should Al-Ghozi make the mistake of going to Indonesia, Al-Ghozi will be promptly arrested so he can answer for his crimes,” the Secretary said.

“The Foreign Minister also reiterated the confidence of the Indonesian Government in  our ability, sincerity and determination to fight terrorism, in spite of the recent escape of Al-Ghozi.  We continue to work together by exchanging information and by other means to fight terror,” the Secretary said.

Secretary Ople and Minister Wirajuda discussed other issues during their meeting, including the proposal of Indonesia for an ASEAN Security Community, the situation in Myanmar, the situation in Aceh, as well as other developments in the region. END.