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