Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Judith A. McHale will lead the United States observer delegation to the third annual meeting of the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) on December 9-10, 2010 in Bali, Indonesia. Indonesia launched the Bali Democracy Forum to promote regional cooperation in democracy and political development. The number of participants continues to grow, with more than 50 participant and 40 observer delegations invited this year.
Under Secretary McHale will express United States support for the Forum and highlight our commitment to the growth and consolidation of democracy in Asia. Under Secretary McHale's visit will reaffirm U.S. and Indonesian "shared values of freedom, pluralism, tolerance, democracy and respect for human rights" as referenced in the Joint Statement issued by President Obama and President Yudhoyono during President Obama's recent visit to Indonesia.
