Vanuatu PM here for 3-day visit

JAKARTA (JP): Vanuatu Prime Minister Maxime Carlot Korman arrived here last night for a three-day visit at the invitation of President Soeharto.

Korman was welcomed at Soekarno-Hatta international airport by Foreign Minister Ali Alatas who accompanied him to the Presidential Palace where the state guest was welcomed by the President and First Lady Tien Soeharto.

Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said recently that the visit is intended to boost bilateral relations. The two governments are expected to sign an agreement on the opening of diplomatic missions in both capitals.

Soeharto and Korman will hold talks at the Merdeka Palace today. Vanuatu is said to be interested in Indonesia's experience in oil exploration because the South Pacific country has petroleum resources of its own. (tis)