Friday 22 July 2011

Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Zacarias Albano da Costa attended the 9th Southwest Pacific Ministerial Dialogue in Bali, 21st July 2011

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From left: Minister of Foreign Affairs of : Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd,
Papua New Guinea,Mr Hon Ano Pala, Timor-Leste, Mr. Zacarias Albano da Costa,
New Zealand , Mr Murray McCully andIndonesia, Mr. Marty Natalegawa

Bali – 21th of July 2011

Today, 21st July 2011, at the margins of the 45th AMM, PMC and 19th ARF, His Excellency Minister da Costa joined his counterpart; HE Dr Marty Natalegawa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia; Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand; Hon Ano Pala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Papua New Guinea; Hon Albert del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines attended the 9th Southwest Pacific Dialogue, chaired by Hon Kevin Rudd, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, at the Bali International Convention Centre.

During the meeting, ministers candidly discussed and exchanged their views on Maritime Security issues, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relieve, Counter-Terrorism, Democracy and Connectivity, as well as various issues of mutual interest pertaining to the developments in the region and reaffirmed their commitment strengthen cooperation and partnerships among the Southwest Pacific Dialogue member countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of : Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd,
Timor-Leste, Mr. Zacarias Albano da Costa, and
Indonesia, Mr. Marty Natalegawa

Minister da Costa led the discussions on democracy and commended the strong commitment of all Southwest Pacific Dialogue member countries in upholding democratic principles, human rights and good governance.

Minister da Costa also underlined the importance of the Bali Democracy Forum and reiterated the commitment of Timor-Leste together with Southwest Pacific Dialogue member countries to promote democracy for peace and prosperity in our region.

Minister da Costa was accompanied by Director General Mr. Marciano da Silva, Ambassador Juvencio Martins, Ambassador Manuel Serrano, Ambassador Roberto Soares, Chief of Staff, Mr. João Tavares.