Howard welcomes visit by Susilo

Howard welcomes visit by Susilo

SYDNEY: Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is to
visit Australia next month, Prime Minister John Howard confirmed
on Sunday, saying he would use the occasion to strengthen the
country's often fraught relationship with its northern neighbor.

"I'm very pleased about this. We have been discussing it and
it's further evidence of the close relations between our two
countries," Howard told ABC television.

Howard said that while Australia's relationship with Indonesia
would probably always face difficulties, the countries could
focus on common concerns, including terrorism.

The details of Yudhoyono's trip are yet to be determined but
nine Indonesian ministers will be in the Australian capital
Canberra from next week at a joint ministerial meeting, Howard
said.

"That is another sign of how important is the relationship to
both governments and what emphasis my government places on it,"
he added.

Howard also said the leaders would discuss aid to Indonesia's
tsunami-ravaged Aceh province. -- AFP