President officially opens WOC
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Thu, 05/14/2009 9:39 AM | World Ocean Conference
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially opened the first World Ocean Conference (WOC) in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Thursday morning.
Thousands of participants, including ministers, marine, environment and fishery experts and members of international organizations attended the ceremony.
The highlight of the WOC is expected on Thursday afternoon with the announcement of Manado Ocean Declaration.
Yudhoyono is expected to read the 21-article declaration at 4 p.m. local time (5 p.m. Jakarta time).
In the evening the president and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono will host a dinner for heads of state of Coral Triangle Initiative member countries. (dre)