Soeharto confirmed to attend G-15 summit next month

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will attend the summit of the Group of 15 (G-15) developing countries in Egypt next month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday.

Besides attending the summit the President also intends to pay a state visit to Egypt, Alatas said.

"I do not remember the precise date but it will be conducted in May," said Alatas after meeting with Soeharto at the Bina Graha presidential office and attending visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan's talks with the head of state.

Egyptian Ambassador to Indonesia Mahmud Osman was quoted by Egyptian news agency Mena last month as saying that Soeharto wanted to meet President Hosni Mubarak while attending the G-15 summit to discuss South-South cooperation and other international issues.

Jakarta and Cairo have historically had longstanding good relations. Egypt was the first country to recognize Indonesia's independence in 1945.

Founded in 1989, the Group of 15 comprises Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. Kenya was admitted as an additional member last year.

The trip to Egypt could mark Soeharto's first trip overseas since December. Soon after returning from a 12-day trip to South Africa, Canada and Saudi Arabia, doctors advised the 76-year-old president to take a rest.

After being reelected in March, Soeharto assigned new Vice President B.J. Habibie to represent him in international fora, including the second Asia-Europe Meeting in London earlier this month.

The financial crisis facing the Asian members of the grouping is expected to be a priority topic during the meetings in Cairo. (prb)