"Indonesia has a free and active policy."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - House of Representatives` Commission-I member Muhammad Najib has praised President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s decision to invite North Korean President of the Presidium of the Supreme People`s Assembly Kim Yong Nam to Indonesia.

"President Yudhoyono`s initiative to invite his North Korean counterpart shows that Indonesia has a free and active policy," Najib said at the legislative building here on Tuesday.

He made the statement in the context of Kim`s official visit to Indonesia from Sunday through Wednesday.

The National Mandate Party (PAN) politician said Yudhoyono`s invitation was a positive step towards improving bilateral relations between the two countries.

"To build good communication and cooperation with North Korea, Indonesia should not be influenced by other countries which deem that communist country as a threat," Najib added.

On Tuesday morning, Kim had a bilateral meeting with Yudhoyono at Merdeka Palace.

Presidential special staff for international relations Teuku Faizasyah said President Yudhoyono and his North Korean counterpart discussed ways to strengthen the two countries` relations.

"The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation and issues related to the latest geopolitical developments in the region," Teuku added.

Kim`s visit to Indonesia, along with a three-member delegation at the ministerial level, was the third in his capacity as the president of the Democratic People`s Republic of North Korea.

After the bilateral meeting with President Yudhoyono, Kim is also scheduled to meet with People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Taufik Kieamas, House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Marzuki Alie, and Vice President Boediono.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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