Yudhoyono Holds Bilateral Talks With Putin

Nusa Dua, Bali (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhyono met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Monday. The two leaders and their delegations met at Sofitel Hotel at 5 p.m. local time. In his opening address, President Yudhoyono welcomed President Putin to the APEC Summit. Vladimir Putin arrived at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport on Monday afternoon and immediately proceeded to the APEC Summit at Sofitel Hotel. President Yudhoyono said relations between the two countries have continued to develop and "our meeting this time is aimed at enhancing the cooperation." President Putin shared President Yudhoyono's views, saying that bilateral relations between the two countries appear strong. "There are bright prospects in the relations in various fields, including transportation development, industry, and others," he said. President Yudhoyono was accompanied by several cabinet ministers to the meeting, including Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, and Chief Political, Security and Legal Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto. (*)