Kuala Lumpur - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, who arrived here yesterday for a three-day working visit, was bestowed Malaysia`s highest award – the Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara (DMN).
The award was presented to Susilo by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, at a ceremony at the Istana Negara here.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor; former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali; Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar and several other Cabinet ministers were present at the ceremony.
Also present were Susilo`s wife Ani Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesian Foreign Minister Hasan Wirajuda and several other Indonesian ministers.
After the presentation ceremony, Susilo attended a banquet hosted by Tuanku Mizan at the palace`s Banquet Hall.
Susilo`s visit is in conjunction with the annual consultation traditionally held between the Prime Minister and the Indonesian President.
The visit is aimed at enhancing existing bilateral relations and improving co-operation in all fields between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
Today, Susilo has a tight schedule which begins with a visit to Dataran Perdana in Putrajaya.
Later, he will attend a delegation meeting between Malaysia and Indonesia.
In the evening, Susilo is scheduled to visit the Indonesian Embassy in Jalan Tun Razak.
He is also scheduled to join Abdullah in attending a concert featuring artistes from Indonesia and Malaysia held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations.
Source: thestar.com.my (11 Januari 2008)
