Astana, Kazakhstan (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and Kazakhstan have decided to join hands against terrorism and money laundering, as well as increase cooperation in the area of diplomatic education.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to sign three agreements to that effect during his state visit to Kazakhstan here on Monday, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Kazakhstan.

President Yudhoyono accompanied - by First Lady Madame Ani Yudhoyono, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Education and Culture Minister Muhammad Nuh, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, and Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa - arrived at Astana International Airport on Sunday at 9.45 pm local time, or 10.45 pm Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB).

The President is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings on Monday and Tuesday in Kazakhstan, which is the first leg of his seven-day tour of three countries, the other two being Poland and Russia.

Earlier, during a press conference at Jakarta's Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, President Yudhoyono revealed that his three-country tour was aimed at boosting bilateral economic cooperation.

"Almost all activities during my tour will be focused on the economic sector, although we will also discuss other issues," the head of state said.

He also noted that the primary objective of his visit to Kazakhstan was to discuss cooperation in the trade and investment sectors.

"We will discuss opportunities to invest in the energy sector in that country," President Yudhoyono said, adding that Indonesia was also planning to increase cooperation with Poland in the same sector.

However, he is visiting Russia to attend the G20 Summit, in which the current global economic situation will be discussed.

(Reporting by Panca Hari Prabowo/translating and editing by Amie Fenia Arimbi/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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