PM Lee of Singapore Supports Indonesian ASEAN Chairmanship

President Jokowi shakes hand with Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong, Thursday (03/16), at Singapore. (Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Thursday (03/16) expressed support for Indonesian chairmanship and for its priorities as ASEAN chair.

“President Jokowi and I also discussed regional developments. I showed him Singapore’s full support for Indonesian chairmanship and for his priorities as ASEAN chair,” PM Lee said in his joint press statement with President Jokowi.

PM Lee also stated that he fully supports the efforts of Indonesia’s chairmanship to encourage the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus of ASEAN leaders to resolve issue on Myanmar.

“Singapore will continue working with Indonesia, and with ASEAN Members, plus ASEAN’s partners like the UN, to push for the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus,” he said, adding that Singapore will also work with Indonesia and ASEAN members for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership.

On the occasion, President Jokowi expressed appreciation for Singapore’s support for Indonesia’s chairmanship and pointed out several priorities as ASEAN chair, one of which is to maintain ASEAN’s unity and centrality.

“The priority for Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN is to maintain ASEAN importance and relevance for the people and the world, to maintain ASEAN unity and centrality so that it remains the main drive of peace and regional stability, and keeps Southeast Asia a hub of economic growth,” the President said.

As ASEAN chair, President Jokowi stated that the country will push for the implementation of Five-Point Consensus of ASEAN leaders in resolving the Myanmar issue.

“So that all parties can open the way for an inclusive national dialogue, reducing tensions and use of force, and ensuring that humanitarian assistance can reach all people who need it,” the President remarked. (RF/MAY/UN) (GWH/MUR)