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Indonesian President Yudhoyono addresses MPs and members of the Lords in Queen's Robing Room

1 November 2012 (updated on 1 November 2012)

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The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, gave an address to members of both Houses of Parliament on Thursday 1 November in the Queen’s Robing Room, as part of his state visit to the UK.

Following his arrival at Sovereign’s Entrance, President Yudhoyono and his wife were received by Black Rod, Lieutenant General David Leakey and were taken to the Queen’s Robing Room by Richard Graham MP, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Indonesia.

President Yudhoyono’s address is the first address to Parliament from a head of state from the Republic of Indonesia.

Snapshots from President Yudhoyono's speech:

  • Olympics presented snapshot of 21st century UK across the board. Only music and football did so before.
  • He wants to show us a 21st century Indonesia: regional power with global intentions. Key member of ASEAN, G20 APEC. Pursuing interfaith tolerance and global climate cooperation. A model of how emerging economies don't have to choose between democracy and development. Indonesia has broken that myth.
  • A defining feature of UK-Indonesia relations is 'opportunity'. This was not on offer in the past. Trade links. Joint promotion of peace and tolerance and climate cooperation.  PM's visit in April with large business delegation was historic event.

Commons Speaker, John Bercow MP, gave a welcome address introducing President Yudhoyono’s speech.

The Lord Speaker, Baroness D’Souza, thanked President Yudhoyono following his speech.

A reception was held with the All-Party Parliamentary Groups, MPs, members of the Lords and invited guests.

Further information

Barack Obama (president of the United States of America), Felipe Calderon Hinojosa (president of Mexico) and Shimon Peres (president of Israel) are among those who have all given addresses to members of both Houses.

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