JAKARTA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK, BERNAMA) - Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will be personally greeted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport when he arrives in Jakarta for an official visit.

Tun Dr Mahathir, who will be accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali on his first bilateral visit to a South-east Asian nation since winning the general election in May, will arrive in Indonesia on Thursday (June 28) evening.

Immediately after his arrival, he will hold a special session with some 300 Malaysians living in Jakarta.

On Friday, the premier will be given the honour to plant angsana tree (rosewood) saplings on the grounds of Istana Bogor, the Indonesian presidential palace. He will also be accorded a 19-gun salute and inspect a guard of honour at the palace.

"Angsana wood is known for its durability and that is symbolic of Indonesia's relations with Malaysia.

"Last year was the 60th year of Malaysia-Indonesia diplomatic relations and Jakarta is our strategic partner. This visit will further strengthen ties," Mr Zamshari Shaharan, the Malaysian deputy chief of mission in Jakarta told reporters here.

He said Dr Mahathir is widely respected in Indonesia and his visit is highly anticipated by leaders and the business community here.

The Prime Minister will also meet the who's who of Indonesia's business community on Friday.

Mr Zamshari said Dr Mahathir is seen as a senior figure in the region and ties between the two countries can serve as the bedrock for Asean cooperation.