ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Countries in Southeast Asia (ASEAN) continue to strengthen solidarity in order to increase regional stability and prosperity.
Two countries in the region with the largest economic powers, namely Indonesia and Singapore, are committed to growing together and continuing to improve mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
This was reflected in the meeting between the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto and the Prime Minister (PM) of Singapore Lawrence Wong, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, November 6 2024. The meeting of the two leaders was an important momentum in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In his press statement, President Prabowo conveyed the results of the meeting after holding intensive and constructive discussions with PM Lawrence regarding several bilateral issues.
First, regarding defense and legal cooperation. President Prabowo explained that Singapore and Indonesia are committed to fully implementing the defense cooperation agreement, including the regulation of military training areas.
“Second, regarding economic cooperation. Singapore is one of Indonesia’s largest trading partners and investors. “I hope Singapore can facilitate wider market access for Indonesian products, including through harmonization of regulations and standards,” said President Prabowo.
President Prabowo added that the two of them also discussed efforts to increase Singaporean investment in Indonesia in priority sectors, including renewable energy, industrial downstreaming, food security, digital and semiconductors, health and IKN.
Third, regarding low-carbon energy technology. The two heads of state discussed ongoing cooperation projects, including cross-border electricity interconnection, joint development of green hydrogen in Sumatra and solar power plants.
“We also agreed to follow up on cooperation related to carbon capture and storage,” he added.
Fourth, regarding food security. In the bilateral meeting the two countries discussed potential cooperation related to technology transfer and exchange of expertise in the field of food security, especially in urban agriculture and the development of food estate areas.
President Prabowo emphasized that the two countries agreed to speed up the completion of the MoU on cooperation on food safety and agricultural technology.
“Fifth, regarding human resource development. “We agreed to increase cooperation in the fields of education, science, technology, digitalization and professional exchanges,” said President Prabowo.
President Prabowo emphasized the importance of Singapore as one of Indonesia’s strategic partners in Southeast Asia, both in the bilateral framework and in ASEAN cooperation.
“We have aligned views on many issues, especially on ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region. I hope that this visit will be a momentum for us to improve cooperation even better in the future, especially in strategic and important sectors for both countries, including cooperation on defense, law, trade, investment, food security and energy as well as human resource development,” said President Prabowo.
Apart from bilateral cooperation, the two heads of state also exchanged views on regional and international issues. The two leaders share the same view regarding the importance of maintaining regional and international peace and security amidst an increasingly complex geopolitical situation.
“Regarding the Middle East, I express deep concern over the situation in Palestine and Lebanon. I emphasize the importance of continuing to call for an immediate cessation of violence, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and the achievement of a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel based on international law. “Regarding Myanmar, we agreed to ensure the implementation of the five consensus points, especially inclusive national dialogue and the delivery of humanitarian assistance,” he explained.
At the end of his statement, President Prabowo confirmed that he would attend the Leaders’ Retreat next year in Singapore.
Also accompanying President Prabowo in this meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Manpower Yassierli, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, Minister of Communications and Digital Meutya Hafid, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo, and Director General of Asia Pacific and Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdulkadir Jailani. (AT Network)
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