REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) received his Czech counterpart, Vaclav Klaus, at the state palace at 3 pm local time on Monday. After the official welcome ceremony, SBY and Mr Klaus had a private discussion, which was followed by a bilateral meeting.

Earlier, in a press release Presidential Special Staff for International Relations Teuku Faizasyah said the visit of Mr Klaus was the first ever by a Czech Republic head of state after the opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1993. "This historic visit will be utilized to strengthen relations and cooperation in the future, as well as to identify new cooperation opportunities. The presence of major business players in the Czech President's entourage is expected to result in cooperation agreements on trade and mutual investment," he added.

Mr Klaus is scheduled to attend the Czech-Indonesia Business Forum in Jakarta, followed by a Round-table Discussion and Book Presentation at the Freedom Institute. He is also scheduled to lay a wreath at Kalibata National Heroes Memorial Park in South Jakarta on July 10, 2012.