President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) visit Britain on October 31 to November 2. During the three-day visit he received a lavish royal welcome for the first Indonesian state visit to Britain in more than 30 years. In the three-day official visit, SBY will attend a state banquet, address parliament and open the Indonesia-UK Business Forum.

Indonesia has one of the world's fastest growing economies and is seen as one of the most democratic countries in Southeast Asia. Britain is keen to foster a strong commercial relationship with the fast-emerging nation and has channeled resources from its embassies in the European Union to boost its diplomatic presence in Indonesia and the region.