The president of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid, has met his South Korean counterpart, Kim Dae-Chung, in Seoul on the first day of an official visit.

The South Korean news agency Yonhap said Mr Wahid had explained his plans to extend democracy in Indonesia and had requested greater South Korean investment.

It said the two leaders agreed to increase economic cooperation.

There is speculation that Mr Wahid will try to revive Indonesia's defunct national car project.

Indonesian officials have said they hope that a South Korean company, Kia Motors, would be able to take over the debts of the national car company, PT Timor Putra National. Kia Motors had been part of the joint venture with the youngest son of former President Suharto, but it withdrew last year after losing exclusive tax and import breaks.

Mr Wahid is due to visit the Kia Motor factory in Hwasong on Friday.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service