Hillary Clinton and Marty Natalegawa in Bali

Hillary Clinton

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States Hillary Clinton and Marty Natalegawa look familiar when to hold a bilateral meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, yesterday.
The second meeting of Foreign Minister who was accompanied by dozens of other delegates, also discussed the preparation of the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to Indonesia in November.
In addition, Clinton pushed Indonesia to continue to strengthen its leadership in ASEAN. "As Thailand and Cambodia conflict resolution, we believe the ability of Indonesia," said former U.S. first lady.
Clinton's commitment to enhance bilateral relations between both countries within the framework of a comprehensive partnership. The boss of U.S. diplomats were declared Washington's commitment to make Indonesia as one of the five main objectives of trade of uncle Sam.
Clinton urged Indonesia to reduce trade barriers. According to him, trade between the two countries lagging behind other countries in Southeast Asia.
He cautions, Indonesia with 240 million inhabitants of the state is the largest economy among the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"Last year, American trade? With Indonesia exceeded 20 billion U.S. dollars, but reached 40 billion U.S. dollars with Malaysia, so we want to collaborate on ways to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers, "said Clinton.
Talks between the Secretary of State is divided into a number of topics, among others, issues of democracy and civil society, education, climate and environment, trade and investment, security, and energy.
"Everything is very strategic for both parties," said Natalegawa.
In the matter of security, for example, the U.S. will support the modernization of Indonesian military forces and the establishment of Peacekeeping Training Centre. The forum also decided that the two countries will become Co-Chair of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus Counter Terrorism Expert Working Group. [Rm]RMOL. Menteri Luar Negeri Amerika Serikat Hillary Clinton dan Menlu Marty Natalegawa terlihat akrab saat menggelar pertemuan bilateral di Nusa Dua, Bali, kemarin.

Pertemuan kedua Menlu yang didampingi puluhan dele­gasi lainnya, pun membicarakan per­siapan lawatan Presiden Ame­rika Serikat Barack Obama ke Indo­nesia pada November men­datang.

Selain itu, Clinton mendorong Indonesia untuk terus mem­per­kuat kepemimpinannya di ASEAN. “Seperti penyelesaian konflik Thailand dan Kamboja, kami yakin kepada kemampuan Indo­nesia,” kata bekas ibu negara AS itu.

Clinton menegaskan komitmen untuk meningkatkan hubungan bilateral antara kedua negara dalam kerangka kemitraan yang kompre­hensif. Bos para diplomat AS itu me­nyatakan komitmen Was­hing­ton menjadikan Indo­nesia sebagai salah satu dari lima tujuan utama perdagangan Negeri Paman Sam.

Clinton mendesak Indonesia untuk mengurangi hambatan perdagangan. Menurut dia, per­dagangan antara kedua negara tertinggal dibanding negara di Asia Tenggara lainnya.

Dia mengingatkan, Indonesia dengan 240 juta penduduk negara adalah ekonomi terbesar di antara 10 anggota Asosiasi Bangsa Bangsa Asia Tenggara (ASEAN).

“Tahun lalu, perdagangan Ame­rika? Dengan Indonesia melebihi  20 miliar dolar AS, tetapi mencapai 40 miliar dolar AS dengan Malay­sia, jadi kami ingin berkolaborasi pada cara untuk mengurangi tariff dan hambatan perdagangan lain­nya, “ tandas Clinton.

Pembicaraan antara kedua Menlu terbagi dalam sejumlah topik, antara lain masalah de­mokrasi dan masyarakat sipil, pendidikan, iklim dan ling­ku­ngan, perdagangan dan investasi, keamanan, dan energi.

“Seluruhnya sangat strategis bagi kedua belah pihak,” kata Natalegawa.

Dalam masalah keamanan, misalnya, AS akan mendukung modernisasi kekuatan militer Indonesia dan pendirian Peace­keeping Training Centre. Forum itu juga memutuskan bahwa ke­dua negara akan menjadi Co-Chair dalam ASEAN Defense Minister Meeting Plus Counter Terrorism Expert Working Group.