Susilo to visit the Philippines

Susilo to visit the Philippines

MANILA: Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is to
visit the neighboring Philippines next week for talks with
President Gloria Arroyo, the Filipino government said on
Wednesday.

His wife Kristiani Herawati, foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda
and trade minister Mari Elka Pangestu are to accompany the
president during the June 20 to June 21 visit, a government
statement said.

"President Yudhoyono's visit to the Philippines is part of his
introductory visits to countries in the Southeast Asian region
after his election in October 2004," the statement said.

"During the visit, President Arroyo will discuss with
President Yudhoyono bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual
concern with emphasis on expanding economic relations, counter-
terrorism, maritime cooperation, and the revitalization of the
Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth
Area," it said.

Recently Susilo visited the United States, Vietnam and Japan.
-- AFP