Taiwanese Prime Minister ends visit to Indonesia

The Taiwanese Prime Minister, Vincent Siew, has ended a visit to Indonesia saying it achieved more than he expected.

Speaking to reporters on his return to Taipei, Mr Siew said he had discussed with Indonesian officials ways of coping with the regional economic crisis.

However, Mr Siew refused to confirm reports that he had met President Suharto.

His visit to Indonesia drew strong criticism from China which considers Taiwan a breakaway province with no right to international relations.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service