President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono speaks with US President Barack Obama at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, on Sunday, after their bilateral meeting. (ANTARA/Rumgapres/Dudi Anung)

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Singapura (ANTARA News) - United States President Barack Obama in the APEC meeting here has praised the significant influence of Indonesia`s role in the international fora.

Obama who spent his childhood in Indonesia for several years, made the remarks in a joint news conference with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, on Sunday, after their bilateral meeting.

"Indonesia is an important country in Asia, a G20 member country, and the largest democratic country in the world, as well as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, has a huge influence and is a model of development of democracy and interreligious relations," he said.

Obama hoped that Indonesia and the U.S. can continue to maintain their good relations.

He made the statement in a meeting that lasted about 40 minutes, and the two delegations discussed a variety of issues, especially improvement of their bilateral relations.

"We can improve our bilateral relations with a comprehensive partnership that will be covering health, education, labor, and the combat against terrorism," he said.

"We also discuss the wider challenges to get a chance and deal with (climate change meetings) in Copenhagen," the U.S. president said.

Obama on Sunday evening also touched on the U.S. and Indonesia`s commitment to stabilizing the world economy and trade growth, and investment growth.

At the end of his speech, apart from expressing a desire to bring his wife and son to Indonesia, Obama also thanked Yudhoyono for his leadership and commitment to improve U.S. and Indonesian relations. (*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli
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