Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received the Duke of York or Prince Andrew as a British special envoy at the Merdeka Palace here on Thursday for bilateral talks.

The president, when receiving Prince Andrew, was accompanied by Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam and Deputy Foreign Minister Triyono Wibowo.

President Yudhoyono and Prince Andrew held talks after the latter signed the guest book at the palace credential room.

Earlier, presidential spokesman for International relations Teuku Faizasyah said, Prince Andrew`s capacity is to manage trade and investment.

On Wednesday (April 6) Prince Andrew met with Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Radjasa.

Regarding Indonesia-British trade ties in January-December 2010, Indonesia`s exports reached 1.365 billion pounds, or Rp15.6 trillion, up 13 percent compared with the corresponding period in 2009 amounted to 1.165 billion pounds.

On the other hands, Indonesia`s imports from Britain in 2010 reached 438.9 million pounds, up 25 percent from that of 2009, totalling 350.2 million pounds.

In addition, presidential spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said that

Prince Andrew`s coming to the Palace is part of the British Royal`s family courtesy visit to Indonesia, adding that Prince Andrew will discuss many things especially bilateral trade cooperation.

According to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Radjasa on Wednesday, Britain is willing to increase trade and investment in Indonesia. (*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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