He made the wish at the state palace after receiving a portrait of himself as a birthday present from artist Sonny Sri Wijaya.
"May God grant your best wishes (and) I will be able to lead the country in a better way in the days ahead," he said in the company of First Lady Any Yudhoyono, State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng and presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha.
He also expressed his commitment to continue working for the interest of the nation. "I will work and work and I ask for your prayers," he said while shaking the hands of the artist after receiving the picture.
After thanking Sonny the President and Mrs Ani had their pictures taken along with Sonny and the picture.
Sonny said he brought the 1 x 1.2 meter portrait to the palace accompanied by his friends. He said he started painting the picture of "The Wise Man" several months ago and finished it a week ago.
"I have long painted it and had intended to give it to the President some day," he said.
The picture depicts President Yudhoyono in a dark blue suit in a position as if he was just thinking with his hands closed under his chin.
Sonny said he made the picture by copying a photo of the President in a book.
"The photo is right for the moment telling as if the President is just thinking," he said.
Julian Aldrin Pasha meanwhile said the President would celebrate his birthday modestly at the Wisma Negara attended only by family members.
He said President Yudhoyono had received congratulations from various circles since Friday morning but "he could not acknowledge them one by one. However, he was moved by all the best wishes."
(T.G003*D013/H-YH/HAJM/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
