Ukrainian President arrives in town

Ukrainian President arrives in town

JAKARTA (JP): Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma arrived here
yesterday on a four-day state visit which marks a new high in
diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On his arrival after a brief visit to Vietnam, Kuchma and his
wife, Ludmyla, were greeted on the steps of the State Palace by
President Soeharto and First Lady Mrs. Tien Soeharto.

After declaring independence following the break-up of the
Soviet Union, Ukraine and Indonesia re-established diplomatic
relations in 1992.

Despite the absence of direct diplomacy for several decades,
ties between the two countries date back to the early days of
Indonesian independence.

It was the Ukrainian representative in 1946 who brought the
Indonesian issue to the United Nations Security Council and
called for the world body recognize Indonesia. At the time
Indonesia was still bitterly defending its newly declared
independence.

The two countries have also worked together in international
organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement after Ukraine
became a guest at the 11th summit in Cartagena, Colombia, last
year.

Indonesia's Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said the aim of
the visit is to improve relations and enhance economic
cooperation between the two countries.

During a dinner reception yesterday evening Soeharto praised
Ukraine's decision to become a nuclear-free state and noted the
potential for cooperation between the countries.

The two heads of state are scheduled to hold bilateral talks
later this morning while respective ministers from both sides
hold parallel talks.

Kuchma is accompanied by Foreign Minister Gennady Udovenko,
Minister of International Economic Cooperation Serhiy Ossyka,
Minister for Military Industry Velery Malev, Minister of Industry
Valery Mazur and Minister of Labor Mykhailo Kaskevych.

The Ukrainian president will leave to visit Yogyakarta and
Bali on Friday before returning home on Saturday. (mds)