Indonesia congratulates Egypt on democratic change

M&C, Feb 12, 2011, 13:50 GMT

Jakarta - Indonesia on Saturday congratulated Egypt on its democratic change and expressed hope that the Middle East country would continue to play an important role in efforts to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

'The government of Indonesia congratulates the whole Egyptian nation for its ability to overcome the current challenges,' Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said in a statement.

Egyptian president Hosny Mubarak stepped down on Friday in the wake of weeks of unprecedented street protests against his three- decade rule.

'Indonesia believes that Egypt will still play a major role in the region, including in pushing the Middle East process,' Natalegawa said. 'Indonesia will stand by Egypt in its transition to democracy and its efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.'

A similar uprising in Indonesia helped topple dictator Suharto in 1998 after 32 years in power. The South-East Asian nation has since embarked on sweeping democratic reforms.

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