SBY to visit PNG in February

National, Normal

INDONESIAN president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected for an official visit to Papua New Guinea next February, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare announced in a statement from Singapore on Sunday.
Sir Michael, along with other world leaders, was attending the Apec leaders’ summit in Singapore.
He said Mr Yudhoyono, or SBY, as he was known, had accepted the invitation.
Sir Michael said their discussions were “very fruitful and helpful” in further enhancing the existing bilateral relations.
“The challenge for us is to ensure that our border region, on both sides, is developed into prosperous economic hubs,” he said.
Among other issues discussed, Mr Yudhoyono also sought PNG’s support to have Brunei Darussalam included in the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI).
“I have no objections to Brunei Darussalam becoming a member of the CTI, in fact, it will strengthen our organisation and make the coverage of the marine area of our management and conservation concern more comprehensive,” Sir Michael said.
Meanwhile, the two countries agreed to collaborate in ensuring the success of the UN climate change conference to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, next month.