President Ends His Medan's Working Visit

Medan, N Sumatra, July 16 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday morning ended his working visit to Medan, North Sumatra, to return to Jakarta. The head of state and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono arrived in Medan on Tuesday to attend the 67th commemoration of Cooperative Day and then held a fast-breaking gathering with the local community and Muslim clerics in the evening. In his speech to commemorate Cooperative Day, President Yudhoyono called for the continued development of cooperatives, which play an important role in the nation`s economy. "Since its inception, the movement has always aimed to bring common benefits to the people, and so, it will always remain relevant," he remarked. President Yudhoyono noted that during the last few years, the number of cooperatives and their members have continued to grow, indicating that their contribution has increased. "We hope that the economic gap will not be wider, and all people can share common prosperity. In view of that, the spirit and philosophy of the movement can be commonly felt by the people in Indonesia," he added. "Thank God, Indonesia is getting more prosperous. This year we will be among the 10 largest economies in the world," the president pointed out. During the fast-breaking gathering, the president expressed his gratitude for the peaceful execution of the presidential election and called on all parties to help create conducive situation for the progress of national democracy. President Yudhoyono along with the first lady and numerous cabinet ministers left Soewondo Airport in Medan at 10 a.m. for Jakarta.