The meeting, which included the heads of state of the countries grouped in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was held at the Geihinkan Akasaka Palace.
The one day summit was opened at 9.30 am local time, or at 7.30 am Western Indonesian Standard Time (WIB).
During the summit, a meeting will also be held between Japanese trade council Keidanren, the Japanese business community and ASEAN members.
President Yudhoyono met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Friday to discuss mutual concerns of both countries.
President Yudhoyono noted that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan have been good and will continue to improve.
"Our relations have become one of the pillars of stability and peace in Asia," the Indonesian head of state commented, adding that bilateral issues to further improve cooperation between the two countries will be discussed.
Meanwhile, Shinzo Abe stated that this year is special since it commemorates 55 years of relations between Indonesia and Japan.
"This is the third meeting this year between the Indonesian president and the Japanese prime minister, as they work to improve relations between both countries," stated Abe in his opening remarks.
Abe, who made his first overseas trip to Indonesia in January 2013, soon after taking over as Japanese prime minister, said Indonesia is an important partner for Japan.
"My gratitude goes to Indonesia for supporting Japan in stepping up its strategic partnership and cooperative relations," remarked Abe.
(A014/INE/a014)
(EDITED BY INE)
(KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
