Canadian PM arrives

Canadian PM arrives

JAKARTA (JP): Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien and his
wife Aline arrived here yesterday evening for a three-day visit
aimed at boosting commercial ties with Indonesia.

He was met at the airport by Coordinating Minister for
Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman, who accompanied
the prime minister to the Hilton Hotel where he is staying for
the duration of his visit.

Chretien's visit here is part of a four-nation tour of Asia
which includes India, Pakistan and Malaysia. Chretien was
previously here in November 1994 for the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders meeting.

He leads a 400-strong delegation which is comprised of leading
business delegates and government officials. Also accompanying
the 61-year-old prime minister is Canadian International Trade
Minister Roy MacLaren and Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific
Affairs Raymond Chan.

Chretien is scheduled to hold talks with President Soeharto
this morning. The two leaders last met two months ago during the
APEC summit in Osaka, Japan.

Later this afternoon Chretien will attend a Canada-Indonesia
Business Forum at the Jakarta Convention Center. Tomorrow he is
scheduled to open the Canadian Education Center at the World
Trade Center.(mds)