Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of US leadership on climate change during a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Jakarta on Thursday. Clinton's visit aimed to strengthen US relations with Southeast Asia and the Muslim world, before traveling to South Korea for discussions on the North's military threat. Yudhoyono greeted Clinton outside the presidential palace before they held talks on economic cooperation, Palestine, and efforts to reach a new global agreement on climate change. According to a presidential spokesman, Yudhoyono highlighted the need for US leadership in achieving a global consensus on climate change. During a television interview, Clinton confirmed her attendance at a conference in Cairo on March 2 to discuss rebuilding Gaza, as part of the new administration's efforts to improve relations with the Islamic world. She emphasized the United States' commitment to helping in the Middle East, particularly in light of the significant damage and casualties in Gaza following Israel's offensive. Clinton's upcoming visit to Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, reflects President Obama's goal of strengthening ties with the Muslim world, especially considering the unpopularity of some of the policies of the previous administration. While most Indonesians practice a moderate form of Islam, there are some radical elements who have protested against Clinton's visit. Indonesia hosts the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and boasts the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Discussions about the financial crisis have included the possibility of U.S. assistance such as a currency swap agreement and contingency funding to support Indonesia's economy. Indonesia is also looking to extend currency swap arrangements with Japan, China, and South Korea. President Yudhoyono is eager to highlight Indonesia's stability and transition to democracy since the resignation of former President Suharto in 1998. Clinton, like previous U.S. officials, has praised Indonesia as a model of modernity and the coexistence of Islam, especially during her visit to the country where Obama spent part of his childhood. While appearing on the "Dahsyat" music show, Clinton received applause when she mentioned her love for classical music as well as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Prior to her trip to South Korea, she was scheduled to visit a USAID sanitation project in Jakarta. North Korea has been making threats against South Korea recently, with Pyongyang reportedly preparing to launch its longest-range missile to gain attention from the new US administration and push Seoul to soften its stance. Clinton has stated that such a missile launch would not be beneficial for relations. After visiting South Korea, Clinton will travel to China, which is the final destination on her Asian tour that also involved Japan. This trip marks her first international visit since assuming her position in office.