President Jokowi, PM Lee Discuss Bilateral Cooperation

President Jokowi and PM Lee Hsien Loong at the Bogor Palace, Monday (04/29). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Singapore Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong held the 7th Leaders’ Retreat, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java province, Monday (04/29).

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the enhancement of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues.

In the fields of politics, defense and security, the two leaders welcomed the implementation of the Re-alignment Flight Information Region (FIR) agreement and extradition and defense cooperations between Indonesia and Singapore.

“In the political and defense fields, we welcome the progress of the implementation of the FIR, defense and extradition agreements, which in the future need to ensure full implementation,” said the President in a joint press statement with PM Lee.

Regarding cooperation in the economic sector, President Jokowi said that Indonesia had offered a number of investment opportunities to Singapore, such as investment in textile manufacturing in the Kendal Industrial Park, the green economy, and the Nusantara Capital (IKN).

“I also appreciate the enthusiasm of 29 Singaporean companies in investing in Nusantara and I hope for support for the construction of PLTS in the IKN. The electricity export plan to Singapore continues to be encouraged, including investment in supporting green industries,” said the President.

Meanwhile, regarding food security, Indonesia and Singapore also agreed to encourage cooperation in technology transfer and exchange of food processing science and technology. Apart from that, Indonesia also invited Singapore to become the developer of three halal industrial areas, namely in Bintan, Serang and Sidoarjo.

“In the socio-cultural sector, we have discussed the strengthening of health transformation through investment in hospitals and clinics construction, capacity development of medical personnel, digital health, and development of health SEZ in Bali,” said the President.

Finally, regarding education, President Jokowi said that Indonesia had conveyed the importance of reactivation of the joint working group. The President also invited Singapore to attend the 10th World Water Forum in Bali.

“We also discussed regional and global issues. We agree to continue to encourage the creation of peace in the Middle East and strive to continue to strengthen ASEAN centrality,” he remarked. (KS/UN) (EST/MMB)