The European Union congratulated Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on his re-election Saturday.
“In peaceful elections, the people of Indonesia have testified to their commitment to democracy and have entrusted President Yudhoyono with a strong second mandate, expressing confidence in his policies and the further pursuit of reforms,” the Swedish EU presidency said in a statement. The presidency emphasized that the EU and Indonesia maintain excellent relations.
“Indonesia and the EU face many common challenges ranging from the consequences of the financial and economic crisis, to climate change and terrorism,” the statement said. “The EU stands on the side of Indonesia in confronting these challenges and looks forward to continuing to work fruitfully with the re-elected president and his government,” it added.
The Indonesian Electoral Commission on Saturday declared Susilo the winner of the July 8 presidential election with a landslide victory.
