Yudhoyono, Tony Blair Meet to Discuss Global Issues

Jakarta (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair here on Thursday to discuss various global issues and latest developments in the settlement of conflicts in many regions. Presidential Special Staff for International Relations Teuku Faizasyah reported to journalists at the Presidential Palace compound that the two leaders had also discussed the conflict in Syria and the ISIS. "They discussed about many issues, especially regional development. He (Tony Blair) wished to hear the president's view on the Middle East issues, development in Syria, as well as on how to tackle the ISIS issue, and also the development of regional constellation in East Europe relating to Ukraine and ASEAN cooperation so far," he stated. This was the third meeting between President Yudhoyono and Tony Blair, including in his capacity as a special envoy and also a world figure, Faizasyah noted. Regarding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, he said President Yudhoyono had opined on the importance of continuing to engage Russia. "Russia must remain engaged because many global problems could not be settled if a country like Russia is marginalized," he said. Faizasyah added that Tony Blair, who will leave for the United States soon and meet with the leaders of other counties, will convey President Yudhoyono's views on the various issues discussed to them. The meeting lasted for more than one hour during which President Yudhoyono was flanked by Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. (*) Reported by Panca Hari Prabowo