Indonesia, US urge peaceful solution to dispute

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) speaks with Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa during a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta September 3, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said Monday Indonesia and the United States governments reach consensus for a peaceful solution over the South China Sea dispute.

"It should be settled peacefully through diplomatic channels, and comply with the existing international and maritime laws," Marty told a press conference held after a meeting with the visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton here.

Natalegawa said that Indonesia would press ahead with diplomatic efforts and take initiatives to unite ASEAN stance in responding the issue as some ASEAN nations are at odds with this issue.    

He stressed that both the US and Indonesia realize the importance of preserving regional security and creating an favorable condition to maintain a regional prosperity.

The two senior officials of the two sides also exchanged views on bilateral and global issues.

Indonesia and the US signed a bilateral document in 2010, which declared comprehensive partnership in the fields of economic, social, cultural and security cooperation.

Hillary Clinton's visit to Indonesia was part of her Asia tour of visiting six countries. She is scheduled to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday morning at the presidential palace.