Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received a courtesy visit from North Korean President Kim Yong Nam at Merdeka Palace here on Tuesday.

President Kim arrived at the palace at 10 a.m. local time and was greeted by Yudhoyono before joining the honorary ceremony.

He is on a visit to Indonesia from May 13 to 16 at the invitation of President Yudhoyono.

It is the third visit of Kim, in his capacity as the North Korean president, to Indonesia.

Kim, who is accompanied by three ministerial-level delegates, is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Yudhoyono and attend a state banquet.

Others present in the welcoming ceremony are Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Radjasa, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Industry Minister MS Hidayat, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa, Chief of the Defence Forces Admiral Agus Suhartono, and National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo.

During his visit, Kim is also expected to hold meetings with the chairman of the People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), and Vice President Boediono.

Teuku Faizasyah, a spokesman of President Yudhoyono, said recently that in the bilateral meeting, the two presidents will discuss efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and the latest geopolitical developments in the region. (*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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