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