Yudhoyono and Putin to give joint press conference

"The press conference will probably be held in the middle compound or in the State Palace," President Yudhoyono said as he inspected alternative locations for the press conference.

Accompanied by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi, presidential spokesmen Andi Malarangeng and Dino Patti Djalal, the president was seen strolling on the palace lawn, talking with palace staff.

"I received French soccer star Zidane here and our boxer Chris Johon here, too," the president said under the shade of a tree on the palace lawn.