Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to attend the 9th ASEAN European Meeting (ASEM) in Vientiane, Laos, next week, according to presidential special staff for international relations Teuku Faizasyah.

He stated on Monday that the head of state would visit Laos to not only attend the 9th ASEM but also strengthen relations between the two countries.

"During his state visit to Laos, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with his Laotian counterpart, Y.M. Choummaly," Faizasyah said.

At the ASEM summit, he added, President Yudhoyono would also attend the 13th Asia Europe Business Forum and another bilateral meeting with his French counterpart, Fran�ois Hollande.

"President Yudhoyono`s state visit to Laos is expected to strengthen the two countries' bilateral relations in various fields. The visit is also aimed at exploring common interests in the region," Faizasyah noted.

He pointed out that President Yudhoyono`s presence at the 9th ASEM reflected Indonesia`s commitment to improve Asian and European regional cooperation.

"The participating countries at the ASEM, which is themed `Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity`, are expected to discuss efforts to address various global issues, particularly the global economic crisis," Faizasyah said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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