The leaders will also discuss regional and global issues that have been causes of concern for the two countries."Dili, Timor Leste (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono paid tribute to the fallen Indonesian soldiers at Seroja Heroes Cemetery here on Monday, marking the first day of his three-day visit to Timor Leste.
After observing a moment of silence to pay tribute to the fallen heroes, the head of State laid a wreath and scattered flowers on the graves of soldiers such as First Private Kabul, who died on May 4, 1985, and Corporal Kastun, who died on June 22, 1998.
President Yudhoyono, who had been assigned to East Timor in 1976-1977, 1979-1980, and 1986-1988, attempted to find the graves of his friends and subordinates at the cemetery.
After going to the Seroja Heroes Cemetery, President Yudhoyono continued his visit to the Metinaro Heroes Cemetery to lay a wreath to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of Timor Leste.
During his visit to the two cemeteries, President Yudhoyono was accompanied by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and a number of cabinet members, including Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto and State Secretary Minister Sudi Silalahi.
According to Presidential Special Staff for International Relations Teuku Faizasyah, President Yudhoyono has been scheduled to meet Timor Lestes President Taur Matan Ruak and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.
"Cooperation in the fields of economy, education, connectivity, and people-to-people contact will be some of the topics to be discussed during the meeting. The leaders will also discuss regional and global issues that have been causes of concern for the two countries," Teuku Faizasyah stated.
President Yudhoyono will also sign a Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in the areas of marine and fisheries, education and culture, information technology, and regional economic development approach.
"President Yudhoyono is also scheduled to lay the cornerstone for the Indonesian cultural center in Dili," he said.
President Yudhoyonos visit to Dili was also part of the efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste, Faizasyah noted.
During the bilateral meeting with President Ruak and Prime Minister Gusmao, President Yudhoyono will discuss the cooperation achievements of the two nations and explore the potential for new cooperation, which will likely be carried forward by the Indonesian government under the leadership of the newly elected president and vice president, Faizasyah added.
(Reported by Muhammad Arief Iskandar/Uu.R013/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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