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)