Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said US President Barack Obama was "a friend of Indonesia", a country he knew very well and where he was "well respected."

Speaking to the press after a meeting with the US leader in Singapore on Sunday, Nov 15, President Yudhoyono said they had a very good discussion on a wide range of issues of common interest, according to a US Embassy release.

He said he told Obama at the meeting he really appreciated the latter`s fresh new approach to the world, to many international issues, including his positive outreach to the Islamic world.

Yudhoyono said they also renewed their commitment to elevate their relations to a higher level and a comprehensive partnership.

"And I welcome also the future cooperation between Indonesia and the United States in various fields such as trade and investment, education and technology, climate change, food and energy security, countering communicable diseases and also counter-terrorism and people-to-people contact," Yudhoyono said.

Yudhoyono said he looked forward to President Obama`s visit to Indonesia next year where he would be warmly welcomed by the Indonesian people.

President Obama in his remarks after the meeting with Yudhoyono said he was extraordinarily impressed with the progress that Indonesia had made in developing its democracy.

Obama said he had some historic ties to Indonesia which was not only regionally important but as a member of the G20, as one of the world`s largest democracies, as one of the world`s largest Islamic nations, Indonesia really had enormous influence.

"I think, it is a potential model for the kind of development strategies, democracy strategies, as well as interfaith strategies that are going to be so important moving forward," Obama said.

Commenting on his bilateral meeting with President Yudhoyono, Obama said they had a strong discussion about a range of issues and how to create even better bilateral relations than they already have. (*)

Editor: Bambang

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