ID :
16388
Tue, 08/19/2008 - 19:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/16388
The shortlink copeid
PRESIDENT ASKS DIPLOMATS ALWAYS TO UPHOLD RATIONALITY
Jakarta, Aug 19 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on the country's diplomats always to uphold rationality in the performance of their duties.
Speaking at a function marking the Foreign Affairs Ministry's 63rd anniversary at the ministry's building on Jalan Pejambon in central Jakarta on Tuesday, the president said, "In facing the problems and challenges before us, we always have to be rational and have a realistic awareness of our own capabilities."Citing an example, Yudhoyono said when the Ambalat dispute with Malaysia arose , there was pressure from many quarters on him to sever diplomatic ties with Kuala Lumpur but he tried to remain realistic.
"At the time, the military chief and I went to the Ambalat waters, and there I said, if people want to go to war, alright let's go to war, but is it really the best possible way out? What about the cost-benefit of a war?" Yudhoyono said.
He said in the face of the present challenges, the national interest should be given top priority, although Indonesia also cared about global problems.
"The basic objectives of our diplomacy are sovereignty, integrity, prosperity, and our active role in international relations," the president said.
Indonesia's interest at present, according to the president, was to continue reform and achieving a stable and sound democracy.
Yudhoyono said Indonesia wanted to do three things, namely create a competitive situation, develop strong mentality to face globalization, and become part of international cooperation.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda said the Foreign Affairs Ministry office would continue to make institutional reform in an effort to create more efficiency and professionalism.
Wirayuda said the reform movement was started in 2001 by recruiting new diplomats, managing the institution, and improving the diplomats' professionalism.
"We have been making reform since 2001 by applying time and administrative discipline, improving working system, and creating reliable diplomat through transparent recruitment system," Wirayuda said at the ceremony which was attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Speaking at a function marking the Foreign Affairs Ministry's 63rd anniversary at the ministry's building on Jalan Pejambon in central Jakarta on Tuesday, the president said, "In facing the problems and challenges before us, we always have to be rational and have a realistic awareness of our own capabilities."Citing an example, Yudhoyono said when the Ambalat dispute with Malaysia arose , there was pressure from many quarters on him to sever diplomatic ties with Kuala Lumpur but he tried to remain realistic.
"At the time, the military chief and I went to the Ambalat waters, and there I said, if people want to go to war, alright let's go to war, but is it really the best possible way out? What about the cost-benefit of a war?" Yudhoyono said.
He said in the face of the present challenges, the national interest should be given top priority, although Indonesia also cared about global problems.
"The basic objectives of our diplomacy are sovereignty, integrity, prosperity, and our active role in international relations," the president said.
Indonesia's interest at present, according to the president, was to continue reform and achieving a stable and sound democracy.
Yudhoyono said Indonesia wanted to do three things, namely create a competitive situation, develop strong mentality to face globalization, and become part of international cooperation.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda said the Foreign Affairs Ministry office would continue to make institutional reform in an effort to create more efficiency and professionalism.
Wirayuda said the reform movement was started in 2001 by recruiting new diplomats, managing the institution, and improving the diplomats' professionalism.
"We have been making reform since 2001 by applying time and administrative discipline, improving working system, and creating reliable diplomat through transparent recruitment system," Wirayuda said at the ceremony which was attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
