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Jakarta - The Indonesian and Chinese governments will in the near future sign an extradition treaty as part of their efforts to enhance their bilateral relations, Indonesian Ambassador to China Sudrajat said.

"In due course of time, the two countries` foreign ministers will meet. We hope it (the treaty`s signing) will take place before the middle of this year," Sudrajat said after a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono here Monday.

He said the Indonesia-China extradition treaty would also contain clauses whereby assets hidden in China by Indonesian corrupters would be returned to Indonesia.

At his meeting with the President, Sudrajat also reported on Indonesia-China trade which reached a total value of US$25.01 billion in 2007 compared to US$20 billion as set by the two countries for 2008.

"The president expects the bilateral trade value target for 2010 to be set at US$30 billion. The target may be reached in 2009 as the trade is growing by 31 percent per year," the ambassador said.

The envoy also reported on developments in bilateral cooperation in the defense sector , especially those affecting educational and training cooperation programs including exchange of officers and cooperation in arms production.

China had also offered assistance for efforts to increase Indonesia`s capacity to maintain security in the Malacca Strait, he said.

During the meeting with the head of state, Sudrajat also conveyed the Chinese government`s invitation to President Yudhoyono to attend the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, China, in August, 2008.

However, the Indonesian president might not be able to meet the invitation due to his busy agendas in August, 2008, Sudrajat said.

"However, it is certain that the president will attend the Asean-Europe Summit in Beijing on October 24 and 25 as Indonesia has a great interest in the meeting," the ambassador said. (*)

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