David Cameron Indonesia Speech Sets Diplomatic Tone

His speech at Al Azhar University on 12th April certainly seized the media’s attention But the David Cameron Indonesia speech earlier in the day was a diplomatic masterpiece.

Sharing a speaking platform with Indonesia’s President Yudhoyono, Mr Cameron’s speech combined all the elegance of a traditional diplomatic speech with the modern business-talk trappings of the jet-setting diplomat. And he fits that mould of course with a programme that’s taking in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar. Very jet-set.

Mutual Support Key To This Cameron Indonesia Speech

The opening remarks to his Indonesia speech set the tone of mutual support. and that was very important as news filtered through of the Aceh earthquake:

Britain, of course, stands ready to help if help is required, and we will stand with you, with your government, and with your people at this time of worry.

This Cameron speech contained frequent references to President Yudhoyono and his leadership. And this, of course, is a critical technique in any speech with diplomacy at its core.

Mister President, under your leadership, Indonesia has continued a remarkable transformation into one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

and,

President Yudhoyono and I share both objectives.

But the diplomatic speech isn’t just about platitudes. It’s about shared interests, geo-political interests such as Syria and trade interests. Mr. Cameron’s speech noted the Syrian situation and foresaw “a day of reckoning” for Assad’s crimes.

Trade Tops The Indonesia Speech Agenda

But it was matters of trade that appeared to top the Prime Minister’s agenda in this Indonesia speech. And he made that very clear with an invitation to President Yudhoyono to come to Britain on a State visit.

This will be during the very special Diamond Jubilee year, and I believe it’s a mark of the importance we attach to this relationship.

With only a passing reference to “Islamic countries,” this was an unremarkable speech, but a very diplomatic one. His speech at the University, later in the day, was less so.

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