The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has reached Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia yesterday after the successful conclusion of the ASEAN summit. In Indonesia, he is scheduled to meet President Susilo Yudhoyono for bilateral talks.

Our correspondent covering the Prime Minister's visit reports that several agreements to enhance bilateral relations are slated to be signed during this visit.

The visit of the Prime Minister to the 11th ASEAN summit and the 8th East Asia Summit in Brunei was significant for its achievements. Prominent among them are the agreements on the setting up of an ASEAN India Trade and Investment Centre by India, a maritime transport working group linking India, Myanmar, Thailand Cambodia and Vietnam, the setting up of Nalanda university and the progress on free trade agreement.

The focus was on improving ties relating to connectivity and commerce. With the visit to Indonesia, a leading ASEAN country today, India’s economic and defence ties with the region will only be stronger.