Indonesia Congratulates Myanmar On Election Of New President

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Government of Indonesia has congratulated Myanmar on the election of Htin Kyaw as the new president of the country.

"Indonesia reiterated the government's commitment to continue to support Myanmar in the efforts and steps to achieving reform, democratization, and sustainable reconciliation," a Foreign Affairs Ministry's press statement said here on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the presidential election in Myanmar on Tuesday was part of the democratic process of political transition.

The Indonesian government is also determined to continue to enhance cooperation in various fields that has been interwoven with Myanmar, both at the bilateral level, the ASEAN, as well as the international fora.

The Indonesian government has assessed that good bilateral cooperation will bring prosperity to the people of both countries and will contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.

According to BBC News, Myanmar's parliament has elected Kyaw as the country's next president, the first civilian leader after more than five decades of military rule.

Kyaw won with 360 of the 652 votes cast in the two houses of the parliament, with the MPs voicing their applause when the result was announced.

Kyaw is a close ally of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) party swept to victory in the historic elections in November. (WDY)