Foreign Minister condoles former Indonesian Foreign Minister's death

(December 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has hailed the services of former Indonesian Foreign Minister, Ali Alatas who passed away today(11 December) in Singapore,to his country and the international community. In a message of condolence to his Indonesian counterpart,Dr Hassan Wirajuda,the Minister referred to the long and illustrious career of the former Foreign Minister in the Indonesian Foreign Service and said that the late Minister will be long remembered for his effective representation of Indonesia in the international arena and his championing the cause of the developing countries.

Former Foreign Minister Alatas served in the Indonesia's Foreign Service from 1954 until his appointment as Foreign Minister in 1988. He held this portfolio with distinction for a period of 11 years. Since 2003 he had been an Advisor and Special Envoy of the President of Indonesia.

The full text of the condolence message of Minister Bogollagama is as follows:

H.E. Dr. Hassan Wirajuda
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia
Excellency

I was deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former Foreign Minister Ali Alatas of Indonesia today. He had served his country with distinction and honour, both during his career in the Foreign Service as well as the Foreign Minister. He will be long remembered as a champion of the cause of developing countries in the international arena, especially his contribution to the evolution and development of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77, ASEAN and APEC. He remained passsionately committed to the pursuit of enduring peace in the world.

Please accept my deepest condolences and those of the Government of Sri Lanka on this sad occasion. I also take this opportunity to convey our sympathy to his beloved wife and other members of the bereaved family.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Rohitha Bogollagama M.P.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka- Sri Lanka Guardian