JAKARTA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Japanese and Timor Leste prime ministers Yukio Hatoyama and Jose Ramos Horta have confirmed their attendance in the upcoming democracy forum among Asian countries, Bali Democracy Forum II, set to be held in Bali on Dec. 10-11, an Indonesian senior official said Friday.

    Speaking at a press briefing, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said that the U.S. government would send an observer delegation to the meeting.

    "A total of 29 Asian countries have confirmed to send delegations to the forum. They would send their foreign ministers or ministerial-level officials to the meeting," Teuku said.

    In addition, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste and Tajikistan have confirmed to take part in the forum.

    Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Portugal would also send observer delegations, Teuku added.

    The Bali Democracy Forum I was held in Bali on Dec.10-11 last year and the forum was an initiative of Indonesian government, aimed at promoting regional and international cooperation in democracy and political development, Teuku said.