for Indonesia, we need to recognize the latest developments in Myanmar, namely the release of Aung San and the holding of general elections in the country...
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa met with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd here on Friday to discuss latest developments in Myanmar.

"Foreign Minister Rudd visited Myanmar recently. At the meeting on Friday evening, he expressed his views on the latest situation in the country as well as on the results of his meeting with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi," Marty said.

"In essence, for Indonesia, we need to recognize the latest developments in Myanmar, namely the release of Aung San and the holding of general elections in the country," he said.

The most important thing now was how to think of the way to optimize the developments in Myanmar. As such, the democratic process pledged and decided by the Myanmarese authorities themselves could be implemented.

At the meeting, the two foreign ministers also discussed issues related to the management of post-disaster regions. "In essence, we discussed how to respond to post-disaster situation properly," he said.

This is the second time for Rudd to visit Indonesia since he was appointed foreign minister under the leadership of Prime Minister Julia Gillard in September 2010.

Earlier, Rudd met with Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Agriculture Minister Suswono to discuss the lifting of Australia`s ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia.

Minister Suswono said on Thursday the Australian government has not yet conveyed formal notification to Indonesia relating to the lifting of live cattle export suspension.

The Australian government decided last month to suspend all cattle exports to Indonesia following an outcry over alleged abusive treatment of livestock in the country.

Australia said the suspension would remain until Indonesia establishes new regulations to protect livestock from mistreatment.

Australia exports about 500,000 cattle a year to Indonesia, accounting for 60 per cent of its livestock trade.
(ANT)

Editor: Ade P Marboen
Copyright © ANTARA 2011