Palestinian PM to Meet President SBY

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to receive the Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, at the Merdeka Palace, here on Friday afternoon.

Prime Minister Hamdallah is expected to arrive at the palace at 3.30 p.m. local time for a tête-à-tête, which will be followed by a bilateral meeting between the two countries' delegations.

Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Rami Hamdallah is in Jakarta for an official visit and to participate in the second conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD II).

Presidential special staff for international affairs Teuku Faizasyah stated earlier, that this is Hamdallah's first visit to Indonesia since he became the prime minister in June 2013. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Jakarta twice, in October 2007 and May 2010, respectivelly.

In the meeting with Hamdallah, Yudhoyono will reaffirm Indonesia's full commitment to supporting the independence and sovereignty of Palestine, Faizasyah stated.

During his first day in Jakarta, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend Friday prayers in Istiqlal Grand Mosque, pay homage to the Kalibata heroes¿ cemetery, and attend a state banquet to be hosted by the Indonesian president.

Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Fariz Mehdawi informed Antara at his office recently that Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah will lead the Palestinian government delegation that includes the foreign minister, the minister of economy, the minister of planning and administrative development, and other advisers.

Hamdallah and Yudhoyono are expected to discuss and exchange views over the current situation in Palestine and other relevant topics concerning the peace efforts. The bilateral cooperation will form the center of the talks and several Memoranda of Understanding of cooperation between the two countries may be signed. (*/DWA)