Indonesia, Singapore to Reinforce Bilateral Cooperation
President Jokowi receives Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakhrisnan, at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Wednesday (17/7). (Photo by: FID/PR)
Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
“Stable and safe Indonesia is very much appreciated so that cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia can run smoothly,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi who accompanied President Joko Jokowi Widodo in a bilateral talk with Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakhrisnan, at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Wednesday (17/7).
According to Retno, Singaporean investors are on the top list of foreign investors in Indonesia; thus, the two countries can initiate a lot of cooperation. She added that there are 3 kinds of cooperation that the two countries can further develop, including in infrastructure, investment, and human resources sectors.
Cooperation on human resources development, according to Retno, entails vocational schools, polytechnics, and other running programs which need improvement. “Of course, to improve it at a fast pace, we can use one TOT (training of trainers) option,” she said.
In the meantime, Vivian Balakhrisnan, Retno added, also congratulated President Jokowi for the re-election
On the occasion, delegations of both countries also discussed the preparation of this year’s Leaders’ Retreat between President Jokowi and Singapore Prime Minister.
Retno further said that the Indonesian Government closely followed the results of the retreat, such as improvement in Kendal Industrial Park, establishment of furniture polytechnics in January, and continuous training for vocational and polytechnics teachers.
She added that there is also cooperation in maintenance, repair, and overhold in Bintan, Batam, and Karimun areas to support Changi airport.
“So, many things have made progress since last October. The date for this year Leaders’ Retreat is still being discussed,” Retno said. (FID/MAY/ES)
Translated by : Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Edited by : M. Ersan Pamungkas
