Alatas helped to boost relations between Malaysia and Indonesia, says PM

Kuala Lumpur - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday Malaysia also felt the loss of former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas, whom it regarded as a statesman who had greatly contributed to fostering better relations between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Expressing his condolences to Alatas‘ family, the prime minister asked the Malaysian and Indonesian delegations to the General Border Committee meeting to recite prayers for Alatas at the start of the meeting jointly chaired by him.

Alatas died at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore yesterday, a week after suffering a stroke. He was 76.

Abdullah, who became close to Alatas when they were both foreign ministers, said he was shocked and saddened by the death.

He said Alatas had helped to build relations between the two countries and was much respected in Malaysia.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my (December 12, 2008)
Photo Credit: http://akhyari.blogspot.com

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