President Yudhoyono Arrives in Berlin

Berlin (Antara Bali) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his entourage arrived in Berlin, Germany, on Sunday night for a three-day working visit until March 6, 2013.

In the company of First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, the Indonesian head of state arrived at Berlin airport at 8.30 pm local time after a 16-hour flight from Jakarta.

President Yudhoyono's entourage is made up of among others Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa, deputy defense minister Sjafrie Syamsuddin, Industry Minister MS Hidayat, Trade Minister Gita Wiryawan and other government officials.

Presidential Special Staff for International Affairs Teuku Faizasyah said the president's visit was to increase bilateral  relations between Indonesia and the two countries.

"In Germany, the president will hold bilateral talks with President and Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel. The bilateral meeting will discuss a follow up to the comprehensive partnership cooperation agreement launched by the president and the German chancellor in Jakarta on July 10, 2010," he said. (*/DWA)