RI Should Play Active Role In Pacific Region

Nusa Dua, Bali, Oct 8 (Antara) - While speaking at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo of the Solomon Islands said he hoped that Indonesia will play an active role in the Pacific region. Lilo said Indonesia could become an equalizer for the interests of major countries and smaller countries like those located in the Pacific region. The Solomon Islands` Prime Minister has been invited as a special guest by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to participate in the APEC Summit. On the occasion, Lilo extended his gratitude towards Indonesia for giving an opportunity to countries in the Pacific region to gain first hand information about the APEC Summit 2013 to build economic relations. "Indonesia can play the role of an equalizer between big and small countries. If the world wants to see global stability, the smaller countries must be given an opportunity to voice their aspirations," Lilo stated. According to him, major countries had the tendency to lead cooperation forums by frequently ignoring the smaller countries. Lilo noted that APEC would impart a great advantage to the Asia Pacific region if it seriously helped develop connectivity and infrastructure in the region.