Yudhoyono given honor for strengthening ties with Australia

Visiting neighbor: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (second from right) speaks with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (center) upon his arrival in Canberra, on Tuesday. AP/Mark Graham

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has received an Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia from Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia Quentin Bryce in Canberra.

Governor General Quentin Bryce bestowed the honor on Yudhoyono Tuesday for “strengthening Australia-Indonesia relations, and promoting democracy and development in Indonesia”, Australian The Sydney Morning Herald has reported.

Yudhoyono was greeted by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as he arrived in Canberra this morning accompanied by an entourage of Cabinet ministers.

Yudhoyono will address the Australian Parliament and meet Rudd Wednesday.

Included in the presidential entourage are Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Andi Mallarangeng, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, Environment Minister Muhammad Gusti Hatta, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Investment Coordinating Board chief Gita Wirjawan.

Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean will meet Pangestu Tuesday afternoon. Discussions will include a possible free trade agreement.

A feasibility study was conducted on such a deal last year, but it is believed resistance within Indonesia to bilateral trade deals and concerns about the impact of China as a trade competitor have cooled progress.

A number of Indonesian governors also accompanied the President, including Papua Governor Barnabas Suebu, West Papua Governor Abraham Ataruri and Bali Governor Mangku Pastika, Antara news agency reported

There are expectations that a deal on handling the rising number of asylum seekers traveling through Indonesia and on to Australia may be struck during the visit.