A welcome ceremony for Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife was held in Hanoi on October 27 in the presence of President Nguyen Minh Triet, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, Minister of National Defence Phung Quang Thanh and others.

Immediately after the ceremony, the two State leaders held talks, during which Mr Triet expressed his hope that Mr Susilo’s visit would contribute to furthering friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

President Triet expressed condolences to President Yudhoyono and the Indonesian people after news of severe tsunami-causing earthquake which hit Indonesia on October 26, causing human and property losses to people in western Sumatraa.

Mr Triet said he hoped, under the leadership of President Yudhoyono, the Indonesia people would overcome this difficult time.

Mr Yudhoyono praised Vietnam for assuming its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2010 and affirmed that Indonesia regards Vietnam as important partner within ASEAN and wants Vietnam to share experience and coordinate with Indonesia to help the latter nation fulfill its tasks as ASEAN Chair next year.

President Yudhoyono invited Mr Triet to visit Indonesia and his invitation was accepted with pleasure.