President Jokowi to Meet PM Lee of Singapore for Leaders’ Retreat

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi (Photo by: IST)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Tuesday (8/10) will depart for Singapore to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore for leaders’ retreat, the fourth between them, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said.

“Insha Allah, God willing, tomorrow, the President will pay a visit to Singapore and this is a visit in the framework of the annual leaders’ retreat. So, in October last year, we held it in Bali, and this year we will hold it tomorrow in Singapore,” said Retno.

In the annual meeting in Singapore, according to the Minister, the two countries will review the development of cooperation that has been done after a year. Of course, there have been a lot of developments from last year to now, including what is in Kendal industrial park and also cooperation in Batam, she added.

“I will not say more in detail because of course it will be delivered after the meeting with the Prime Minister of Singapore tomorrow,” said Retno, while adding that investment is an important issue for both countries.

In addition, the meeting between the two heads of government is expected to discuss the issues of vocational education with Singapore because we also have several cooperation agreements with polytechnics in Singapore on the subject of vocational education.

“So, the meeting will be about leaders retreat, investment, and human capital development,” said Retno, adding that other issues are likely to be raised in the discussion including counter-terrorism.

Regarding Indonesia’s cooperation with Singapore during the first four years of the administration of President Jokowi, Retno said that both countries have conducted a stronger and better cooperation. “Our relations and cooperation with Singapore are getting stronger,” said Retno, adding that Indonesia is Singapore’s close neighbor so that a mutually beneficial relationship for the two countries and the people of the two countries will continue to be maintained. (FID/OJI/ES)

Translated by: Muhardi

Edited by: Mia Medyana B.