PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA: Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who appears set to win a second term, intends to foster stronger ties with Malaysia. This was the gist of what Susilo told Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who telephoned the Indonesian President yesterday to congratulate him.

"I spoke to Susilo at lunchtime and he was very pleased that I called. I was the first to congratulate him although the official results, which is expected to be announced in about two weeks, are not out yet.

"But all indications show that he will continue to lead Indonesia," the Prime Minister told reporters after chairing the 3rd Northern Corridor Implemen-tation Authority meeting here yesterday.

Incidentally, Susilo was the first foreign leader who had called to congratulate Najib on April 3 when he took over as Prime Minister.

Najib said Susilo was committed to enhancing relations with Kuala Lumpur and regarded the bilateral relations as "extremely important".

"He is happy to be dealing with Malaysia and with me personally," he added.

Susilo is set to lead Indonesia for a second five-year term after the election commission unveiled initial results which handed him a clear victory.

The Star/Asia News Network