McCully off to Indonesia

Foreign Minister Murray McCully is off to Indonesia for bilateral talks, and to attend the Bali bombing 10^th anniversary commemorations.

In Jakarta, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa will host McCully for the 5^th annual Indonesia-New Zealand Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).

“Building on the momentum created by the Prime Minister’s visit to Jakarta in April, we will discuss developments in agriculture cooperation, the environment, labour, and geothermal energy,” Mr McCully says.

“As Indonesia is a key player in ASEAN, this will also be a valuable opportunity to discuss developments in the region.”

McCully will also represent New Zealand at a ceremony commemorating the 10^th anniversary of the Bali bombing on 12 October. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister John Howard and Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbot will also be attending.

Indonesia will host APEC in 2013.

McCully will also meet Malaysia Foreign Minister Anifah Aman in Kuala Lumpur  for talks on bilateral and regional issues.

“New Zealand and Malaysia are close friends and I look forward to an update on regional developments from the Minister. Our discussions will include the timetable for New Zealand’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, where our troops serve side by side.”