President Yudhoyono extended his appreciation to Director-General Roberto Azevêdo for “his able leadership and important role in bridging the various differing interests.”

After his opening address, the President struck a gong several times to signify the opening of the 9th Ministerial Conference.

Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, Chair of the 9th Ministerial Conference, reported to President Yudhoyono that: “We are on the cusp of an accomplishment that has eluded us for 12 long years. We are closer than ever before to the first tangible results of the long-running Doha Round. We can see the finish line, and if we are able to cross it, our achievements here will restore the world’s faith and confidence in the WTO and the multilateral trading system.”

• Statement by H.E. Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
  President of the Republic of Indonesia
  Text 

• Statement by H.E. Mr Gita Wirjawan (Indonesia)
  Chairman of the Ministerial Conference
  Trade Minister
  Text