OBAMA-G20 2LST

On Sunday, Obama has his first bilateral meeting with
Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"We've pursued a deeper and comprehensive partnership
with Indonesia since the president took office. Regrettably,
he has not been able to make it to Indonesia yet, but he very
much wants to continue the close coordination that we have
with Indonesia on a number of issues," the official said.
Following the G-20 meet, Obama will have his first
bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan.
"They too will be able to discuss our close
coordination on a range of issues and look ahead to the
President's visit later in the year," the official said.
Another senior administration official said Obama
believes very strongly that the US presence in the region is
all the more important in a period of emerging powers.
It is seen by virtually everyone in the region as a
stabilising force and therefore welcome.
"Our policy in the region, I'd say, has three major
elements: our alliances, our relationship with China and our
relationship with ASEAN, the countries of Southeast Asia. And
all of these will be reflected in one fashion or another in
the bilateral," he added.
"The US leadership in Asia is a very important issue
to the President."
He said the relationship with Asia was important to
the economic future, America's goal of doubling exports,
and to a range of security priorities including
nonproliferation, counterterrorism and the situation on the
Korean Peninsula.
"We have, of course, important presidential travel
later in the year to Asia. So I think it represents the
priority that the president places on the region," the
official said. PTI LKJ
RDM


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