RI, Philippine Ties Important: President Yudhoyono

Jakarta (Antara) - Relations between Indonesia and the Philippines are important, and therefore the two countries' cooperation should continue to be stepped up, according to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "The Philippines is Indonesia's close partner and friend, and thus, the two countries have very important relations in various fields," the Indonesian head of state said at Halim Perdanakusuma airport before leaving for Manila on Thursday morning. In the company of First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, the president and his entourage will make a three-day state visit to the Philippines from Thursday to Saturday. Yudhoyono noted that improvement of two countries' relations is the main purpose of his visit this time, in addition to reciprocating President Aquino's visit to Indonesia. According to him, exclusive economic zone agreement which has been discussed since 1994 will also be signed during the visit to Manila. "The exclusive economic zone has been negotiated since 1994, and after 20 years we hope we can resolve the problem of this maritime boundary," the president noted. During the state visit, President Yudhoyono will also attend World Economic Forum (WEF) to convey Indonesia's idea about current regional and global economic situation. "We make every effort to get out of new economic pressure by improving our cooperation in investment and trade," the president said.(*)