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Australian leader says Indonesia willing to improve differences

Australia's Prime minister, John Howard, says he's impressed with Indonesia's new leader, Megawati Sukarnoputri and her willingness to move ahead with relations after differences over East Timor.

Mark Bowling reports Mr Howard is in Jakarta on a mission to strengthen ties with Indonesia and will hold more talks today:

The Prime Minister says that he's encouraged that Megawati wants good ties with Australia. Political relations soured after Australia took a leading role in peace keeping efforts in East Timor after a vote for indpednance two years ago. But, relations are now apparently on the mend: "I CETAINLY AM ENCOURAGED FROM MY FIRST MEETING WITH HER THAT INDONESIA'S NEW PRESIDENT WANTS A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA." Mr Howard is the first foreign leader to call on Megawati after she was sworn in as President three weeks ago. Today, the two leaders will hold full bi-lateral talks and Mr Howard will meet members of the new Indonesian cabinet.

13/08/01 11:01:44 | ABC Radio Australia News

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