Howard to visit RI early February

JAKARTA: Although illegal migrants from middle-eastern countries have tainted relations between Indonesia and Australia, the issue will not be the main agenda during the visit of Australian Prime Minister John Howard here next week.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told reporters on Friday that Howard's second visit to the country was mainly aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

"It (the illegal migrant issue) will be discussed in the meeting, but it is not the main agenda," Hassan said on the sidelines of the appointment of Indonesian ambassadors to the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Howard is scheduled to visit Indonesia from Feb. 6 through Feb. 8 on his way home from New York.

Indonesia has been used as a springboard by Middle Eastern nationals seeking asylum in Australia, where they are met by people-smuggling syndicates who arrange hazardous sea journeys to Australia. -- JP