President SBY Gives Statue of TNI Soldier to Commander of US Military Academy

President SBY Gives Statue of TNI Soldier to Commander of US Military Academy

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) accompanied by First Lady Hj. Ani Yudhoyono, on Monday (22/9) at 10.45 local time, visited The United States Military Academy in West Point, Orange Country, western part of Hudson River, around 35 km north of New York, United States.

The arrival of President SBY and his entourage was welcomed by the Commander of West Point Military Academy Let. Gen. Robert L. Caslen and his wife, with welcoming ceremony singing National Anthem of Indonesia Raya and the Star Spangled Banner.

After the ceremony, President SBY and Mrs. Ani conducted reviews to among others the Workroom of Robert L. Caslen, Academic Board Room, and Super Intendent Conference Room, continued to Thayerd Award Room where photo session and souvenir exchange took place.

Let. Gen. Robert L. Caslen gave souvenir of book about West Point Military Academy, while President SBY gave a statue of Indonesian Army (TNI) Soldier wearing blue beret and holding red and white flag, which symbolized the strength of Indonesia and United States cooperation all this time. Mrs. Ani gave souvenir of blackish brown colored batik and book on batik to Mr. Caslen’s wife. The souvenir was opened, and Mrs. Ani put the batik on the shoulder of Mr. Caslen’s wife.

In his speech Let. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr. said that he felt honored by the coming of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. “The relation between Indonesia and United Stated is very important” Robert Caslen Jr. said.

On the other hand, President SBY said that his presence aimed at improving the relations of Indonesia and US. “Currently cooperation between Indonesia and United States is very close. May the relations of our countries even be closer and stronger,” SBY said.

Accompanying President in the visit among others were Coordinating Minister of Politic, Legal, and Security Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister of Economy Chairul Tanjung, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa, Minister of Education and Culture Muhammad Nuh, Minister of State Secretary Sudi Silalahi,Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dino Patti Djalal. (MGD/ES)