Megawati to attend APEC meeting

Megawati to attend APEC meeting

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri has decided to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Mexico, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Wednesday.

He said that the President would use the summit to enhance economic cooperation in the wake of the Bali bombings.

"The President may hold bilateral meetings with the United States, Australia and New Zealand heads of state," Hassan said in the media briefing.

The minister said that so far Megawati had only confirmed her attendance at APEC and was still studying the rest of the planned overseas trip this month.

During APEC, Megawati will join the world leaders forum that will discuss counter-terrorism measures and economic cooperation in the global market, Hassan added.

An official at the State Palace said that the President would depart on Oct. 22 and return on Oct. 28. --JP