Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to meet with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Merdeka Palace here this afternoon.

Abe and Mrs Akie Abe and entourage will make a two-day visit to Indonesia starting today, presidential staff Teuku Faizasyah said,

He will have official talk with Yudhoyono to discuss bilateral issues including expansion of cooperation, Faizasyah said.

He is also scheduled to visit the Economic Research Institute For Asean And East Asia (ERIA).

Japan is one of the country`s main partners in economic cooperation especially in trade and investment.

The bilateral trade was valued at US53.1 billion in 2011. In the first 10 months of last year, trade between the two countries was valued at US$44.85 billion.

Japan`s new investments in the country were worth US$1.51 billion in 2011 and in the first 10 months of 2012, the investment value already reached US$1.78 billion.

Faizasyah said the visit is expected to promote cooperation between the two countries amid growing Chinese involvement in Indonesia`s economic development.
(Uu.AS/H-ASG/O001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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