FROM JAKARTA (INDONESIA): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday afternoon has arrived in Indonesia capital Jakarta to attend a three-day Asian-African Conference there.

A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the primer and her entourage members landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 3.35pm (local time).

Indonesian environment and forest minister Nurbaya Bakar received the Prime Minister at the airport.

Foreign minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali, foreign secretary Shahidul Haque, Bangladesh ambassador to Indonesia Nazmul Quaunine and Indonesian ambassador to Bangladesh Wiranta-atmadja and high civil and military officials of Indonesia were also present at the airport.

The premier was given a static guard of honor by the Indonesian Armed Forces, while Indonesian girls wearing their traditional dresses welcomed her at the airport.

After a warm reception, Sheikh Hasina was taken to Hotel Borobudur Jakarta through a ceremonial motorcade. She would stay in the hotel during her visit to Indonesia.

Earlier, Sheikh Hasina left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka for Jakarta at 10:00am (BDST).

Industries minister Amir Hossain Amu, commerce minister Tofail Ahmed, civil aviation and tourism minister Rashed Khan Menon, PM's advisor HT Imam, state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam saw the Prime Minister off at the airport.

Besides, Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hussain Bhuiyan, the chiefs of the three services, the inspector general of police, the dean of the diplomatic corps and high civil and military officials were present at the airport.

However, as many as 28 heads of the states or governments from Asia and Africa will attend the conference, to begin on Wednesday.

PM Hasina is expected to hold a meeting with Indonesia president Zoko Widodo. She will talk to the leaders of other participating countries to strengthen trade relations.

The premier is scheduled to return home on April 23.

However, Bangladesh foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali and foreign secretary Shahidul Haque reached Jakarta on Sunday.

A foreign secretary level meeting was held on Monday and a ministerial meeting on Tuesday.

Meeting with the top business leaders of Asia and Africa will also be held during the conference.

The theme of this year's summit is, ‘Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity’.

BDST: 1956 HRS, APR 21, 2015
HB/AKA/RR