Bali, Indonesia (CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama met Friday with his Indonesian counterpart in Bali as he prepares to conclude an eight-day trip to the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono came ahead of Obama's participation in the East Asia Summit, a first for a U.S. president, according to the White House. The summit serves as a forum for the region -- which accounts for more than half of the world's gross domestic product -- to create dialogue on issues relating to politics, security and the economy. Obama is expected to meet Saturday with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra before the East Asia Summit session, after which he will depart for home.
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Obama meets with Indonesian president
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He is expected to attend a session of the East Asia Summit Saturday
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He will also meet with the Thai prime minister before departing for home
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The Asian leg of Obama's trip follows two days in Australia
He announced an agreement with Australia on Wednesday that will expand military cooperation between the longtime allies and boost @placeholder's presence in the region.