Cambodia's prime ministers to visit Indonesia

JAKARTA (JP): Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen, the joint prime ministers of Cambodia, are expected here later today for an official visit and meeting with President Soeharto.

This will be the first time the two men come to Indonesia in friendship. The two came here as foes several times in late 1980s when Indonesia hosted a series of meetings to help end the civil war in Cambodia.

Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono in announcing their three- day visit on Saturday, said that talks between the Cambodian and Indonesian leaders are expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, especially in business.

"The two prime ministers come to Indonesia to introduce themselves to President Soeharto, and seek cooperation in the economic and technical arenas," Moerdiono said.

They will be accompanied by a number of ministers, including those holding the portfolios of foreign affairs, trade, agriculture and forestry. These ministers will hold parallel talks with their Indonesian counterparts.

Cambodian and Indonesian leaders are also expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on economic and technical cooperation during the visit.

In Cambodian state protocol, Ranariddh is referred to as the first prime minister while Hun Sen is the second prime minister. Ranariddh is the son of King Norodom Sihanouk, the current Cambodian ruler.

Moerdiono said Ranariddh and Hun Sen will also travel to Bandung, West Java, to visit the IPTN aircraft manufacturing plant and the Asia-Africa Conference museum. (par)