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)