The Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Portuguese Republic, Mr. Jaime Gama, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Alwi Shihab, met in New York, on 13th November 1999.

This was the first high level meeting between the two Governments, following the recent political change in Indonesia. The meeting took place in an open, constructive and friendly atmosphere and resulted in a deeper mutual understanding and a more productive political dialogue.

The Ministers discussed various issues of mutual interest on bilateral as well as regional issues.

The Ministers agreed that it would be of benefit to both sides to intensify their bilateral contacts with a view to a rapid normalization of relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Portuguese Republic, including the re-establishment of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level.

The Ministers also reviewed aspects of current international situations of interest to both countries. In particular Minister Jaime Gama informed Minister Alwi Shihab of the priorities of the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union, which will run from 1 January to 30 June 2000. Both Ministers agreed that the Portuguese Presidency of the EU will endeavor to further enhance relations between ASEAN and the EU as well as the ASEM process, in particular to play a supportive role towards the economic recovery of democratic Indonesia.

The situation in East Timor was the subject of an intense and fruitful exchange between the Ministers. The importance attached by both Indonesia and Portugal to the full implementation of the 5 May Agreements was reiterated by the Ministers. They also underlined the necessity of full cooperation with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor in the fulfillment of its mandate. Attention was given in the talks to the humanitarian aspects of the situation, namely internally displaced persons and refugees.

The Ministers agreed fully that the future peace and prosperity of East Timor relies not only on its full integration to its Asian region but also on the vital assistance of the international community as well as on the united efforts and reconciliation of the East Timorese themselves.

New York, 13 November 1999