Bangladesh PM starts state visit<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
\narrived here yesterday for a four-day state visit to speed up the
\nslow economic cooperation between the two countries.<\/p>\n
President Soeharto greeted Hasina in a state reception at
\nMerdeka Palace. They held a brief discussion when she paid a
\ncourtesy call on him soon after her arrival yesterday.<\/p>\n
\"The two leaders will use this opportunity to exchange
\ninformation on their respective domestic development,\" said
\nMinister\/State Secretary Moerdiono after accompanying Soeharto in
\nthe meeting.<\/p>\n
The President emphasized the importance of South-South
\ncooperation at a banquet he hosted in honor of Hasina and her
\nentourage at the State Palace last night.<\/p>\n
\"We have similarities, where the majority of our people are
\nMoslems, and our nations are working to improve our welfare,\"
\nSoeharto said in his address.<\/p>\n
The prime minister's entourage includes State Minister for
\nForeign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury and the chairman of the
\nBangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Yousuf Abdullah
\nHarun.<\/p>\n
This morning the two leaders will hold bilateral talks. After
\nthe talks Alatas and Chowdhury will sign an Air Service
\nAgreement.<\/p>\n
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, Indonesia's
\nexports to Bangladesh reached US$117 million in 1996, mostly in
\nplastic and rubber products, food, paper, earthenware and
\ntextiles. Indonesia's imports were less than $10 million, mostly
\nin jute and leather.<\/p>\n
During the talks the two leaders are also expected to discuss
\nregional and international issues, and touch on the second summit
\nof eight developing countries (D-8) to be hosted by Dhaka next
\nyear. The first summit was held in Istanbul in June this year.<\/p>\n
The D-8 group comprises predominantly Moslem countries
\nincluding Indonesia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan,
\nIran, Egypt and Nigeria.<\/p>\n
Hasina will visit state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT IPTN in
\nBandung on Saturday before leaving for Bali, where she will spend
\ntwo nights. (prb)<\/p>",
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