President Yudhoyono arrives in Dili for 3-day work visit

 Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has arrived in Dili, Timor Leste, on Monday, for a three-day work visit on August 25-27, 2014.

President Yudhoyono and First Lady Mrs Ani Yudhoyono along with some cabinet ministers, including Minister of Education and Cultural Muhammad Nuh, Minister of Public Works Djoko Kirmanto, and Cabinet Secretary Minister Sudi Silalahi arrived at the Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, Timor Leste, on Monday, at 11.20 a.m. local time.

Timor Lestes Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Jose Luis Gutteres and Minister for State Administration Jorge da Conceicao Teme along with Timor Lestes Ambassador to Indonesia Manuel Serrano were present at the airport to welcome President Yudhoyono and his entourage.

During the three-day visit, President Yudhoyono will meet Timor Lestes President Taur Matan Ruak and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, according to Presidential Special Staff for International Relations Teuku Faizasyah.

"Cooperation in the fields of economy, education, connectivity, and people-to-people contact will be some of the topics discussed during the meeting. The leaders will also discuss regional and global issues that have been concerning the two countries," Teuku Faizasyah explained.

Faizasyah affirmed that President Yudhoyono will also sign Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in the areas of marine and fisheries, education and culture, information technology, and regional economic development approach.

"President Yudhoyono is also scheduled to lay the cornerstone for the establishment of the Indonesian cultural center in Dili," he stated.

President Yudhoyonos visit to Dili was also part of the efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste, Faizasyah noted. 

During the bilateral meeting with President Ruak and Prime Minister Gusmao, President Yudhoyono will discuss the cooperation achievements of the two nations and explore the potential for new cooperation, which will likely be carried forward by the Indonesian government under the leadership of the newly elected president and vice president, Faizasyah added.

Source: ANTARA