Tuesday, November 22 2005 17:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today (Nov 22, 2005) called for exploring joint manufacturing possibilities with his country in industrial sector, particularly in the defense field, by leveraging Indian technologies.

Winding up his one-day visit to India's technology hub, Yudhoyono, who was accompanied by a high-powered delegation, said after visiting Infosys Technologies Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited here yesterday, he was 'so impressed' to see the development of these industries.

"I told the management of these companies to have a wider cooperation and partnership with Indonesia for the benefit of both Indonesia and India", Yudhoyono told reporters before emplaning for New Delhi with a short halt in Agra to see Taj Mahal, en route to the national capital.

"I know there are opportunities for us to cooperate and build partnerships since Indonesia is also developing its industries", said. the President.

"With Indian technologies, I do hope there could be joint manufacturing for the benefit of both of us", he said.

Asked if there are any agreements between India and Indonesia in the offing, Yudhoyono the first ever Indonesian President to visit Bangalore, said, "I will talk with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi".

He also said to a query that general reconstruction in Indonesia in the aftermath of tsunami is 'moving well' but said there are 'challenges in accelerating the process of rebuilding houses'.

The President was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hassan W and Trade Minister Marie Elka Pangestu.