Miss Universe 2002, Russian Oxana Fyodorova, visiting Indonesia

On Friday Indonesian president Megawati Sukarnoputri received Miss Universe 2002, Russian Oxana Fyodorova.

The meeting was arranged at the presidential palace and lasted more than half an hour. It also involved the winner of the recent Indonesian beauty contest Melanie Putria Devita Sari, and temporary Russian attorney in Indonesia Sergei Petlyakov.

According to the meeting's participants, Megawati Sukarnoputri pointed out that Oxana's success was evidently explained not only by her beauty, but also by her firm character. She advised Miss Indonesia and all young Indonesian women to follow the example of the Russian beauty, who thought not only of attractive appearance, but also of the beauty and wealth of her inner life.

"I did not expect such a warm reception in Indonesia," Oxana told a RIA Novosti correspondent. "Wherever I went, to Java or Sumatra, I always felt the kindness and attention of the Indonesians. Last week I discovered Indonesia for myself, it is a country with bright tropical nature, rich and various culture. I owe all these unforgettable impressions to my caring hosts, first of all the Yayasan Putri Indonesia fund, which organized my trip so well." "We are very grateful to Oxana for her help in our charity activities," said the fund's head Muryati Sudibyo in an interview with a RIA Novosti correspondent. "Her visit to our country drew attention of many Indonesians to the problem of preserving the nation's health. I am sure that Oxana's intelligence and charm will be an incentive for many Indonesian girls to play a more important part in the country's life".