Indonesian FM: Clinton talks to be limited to bilateral issues

JAKARTA, Feb. 17 -- Indonesian Foreign

Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda said his talks with his U.S. counterpart

Hillary Clinton on Wednesday would be limited to efforts to improve the two

countries' bilateral relations.

"It is actually quite obvious that during Clinton's

visit to Indonesia, we will be discussing efforts to improve bilateral

relations," Antara news agency quoted Wirayuda as saying here on Tuesday.

Hillary Clinton will arrive here on Wednesday for a

two-day visit to Indonesia after visiting Japan. She will also visit South Korea

and China.

Wirayuda added the U.S. side would talk on efforts to

step up relations between the two countries in the framework of a strategic

partnership.

"We are going to discuss our common views and other

issues on regional development in ASEAN and East Asia, as well as the role of

the countries in the region in finding a solution to the global financial crisis

and other international issues related to the Middle East conflict, and Iran,"

Wirayuda said.

During the visit, the U.S. secretary of state is also

scheduled to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday.

"We appreciate the priority given by U.S. President

Barack Obama to East Asia in the selection of countries Clinton was to visit on

her maiden overseas tour as U.S. secretary of state and the priority given to us

in Obama's telephone contacts with foreign governments," Wirayuda

said.