If I say more than that, I will override the people`s sovereignty."Naw Pyi Taw, Myanmar (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has noted that whoever assumes the presidency after him is obliged to maintain Indonesias current foreign policy since it is clearly effective.
Addressing a press conference in Naw Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on Monday, President Yudhoyono, who has ruled Indonesia for almost a decade, also noted that each successive leader will focus on particular issues.
"If something becomes part of our basic foreign policy and, in fact, produces advantages for our nation, I am sure the government after mine will be obligated to continue this policy for the sake of our nation," explained President Yudhoyono prior to his departure for Jakarta after attending the ASEAN Summit in Naw Pyi Taw from May 10 to 12, 2014.
"In accordance with the ethics and political system of each country, every president has his own policy and particular priorities, but principally, their foreign policy never changes."
President Yudhoyono added that the candidates for the next Indonesian president would have to meet two requirements related to foreign policy.
First, the candidate must have a plan for initiatives Indonesia can take to have an impact on the international community.
Second, the candidate must prove an understanding of the challenges and barriers preventing Indonesia from beating global competition.
"He must understand the primary (basis of) cooperation to preserve our national interests and other details of handling Indonesias international relationships," Yudhoyono said.
When asked who, in his opinion, best suited the role of the presidency with regard to maintaining the current foreign policy, Yudhoyono responded that he didnt want to influence the will of the people.
"Ill leave it to the people (to choose the most suitable candidate). We need to give them all the necessary information on each candidates platform, so that on July 9 (the date of the presidential election), the voters will have a better understanding of Indonesias international policy and diplomacy and can be entrusted (with choosing the right person for the job)," Yudhoyono noted.
"If I say more than that, I will override the peoples sovereignty," he added.
President Yudhoyono attended the ASEAN Summit 2014 in Naw Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on May 10 to 12, where Myanmar officially took over the chairmanship of the ASEAN from Laos during the crucial time prior to the start of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.
(Uu.A060/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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