Accompanied by Mrs Ani Yudhoyono, the president was welcomed by Indian Foreign Minister E Ahmad and Indonesian Ambassador to India Andi Ghalib.
The Indonesian head of state is on a visit in India at the invitation of the Indian president. Yudhoyono would be a guest of honor at the India`s Republic Day celebration on January 26, 2011.
The Indian government every year invites a head of state/government as its guest of honor in observing its Republic Day anniversary. The guest of honor at India`s Republic Day celebration in 1950 was Indonesia`s first president Soekarno.
Yudhoyono`s visit to India is also intended to foster and increase bilateral relations.
During his stay in India, the president is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Chairman of the Indian opposition party Srimathi Sushma Swaraj and chairman of the Indian Coalition Party Srimathi Sonia Gandhi.
The Indonesian president and the Indian prime minister will witness the signing of 17 Government-to-Government memorandums of understanding (MoU) in the fields of politics, economy, education, culture and technology.
Besides having a bilateral meeting, the president will also attend a business forum. The forum which would be attended by 500 Indian and Indonesian businesses is intended to increase mutual interactions among business makers from both nations.
On the occasions, both parties will also sign 15 Government-to-Government and Business-to-Business MoUs in the fields of infrastructure, natural resources, manufacture and services.
The presidential party included Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Industry Minister MS Hidayat, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Andi Mallarangeng, Culture and Toursim Minister Jero Wacik and Chief of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Gita Wirjawan. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
