S'pore, Indonesia leaders seek even stronger ties in new era of cooperation: PM

Both countries committed to creating new opportunities for growth, says PM Wong

- Goh Yan Han Political Correspondent

Relations between Singapore and Indonesia are in excellent shape, and the leaders of both countries intend to chart even stronger ties in a new era of cooperation, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on June 16.

Speaking at a press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, PM Wong said the successful implementation of three landmark agreements between the two neighbours is a testament to Singapore and Indonesia's ability to work through complicated issues with respect and trust for each other.

He added that both parties are committed to creating new opportunities for growth.

Among the promising new areas of bilateral cooperation is the green economy, said PM Wong.

After their press conference, the two leaders witnessed a ceremony to mark pacts on renewable energy and sustainability projects.

President Prabowo was in Singapore for a state visit, after arriving on the evening of June 15.

He also attended a Leaders' Retreat with PM Wong. This is the highest-level meeting between the two countries, and the first for both recently inaugurated heads of government.

PM Wong said: "The retreat is a platform that we convene only with our two closest neighbours. It reflects the comfort and trust that we have with each other at the highest levels, and our shared commitment to work together in the spirit of mutual respect."

Singapore also has an annual Leaders' Retreat with Malaysia.

President Prabowo said the leaders had a very productive and successful retreat, emerging from their meeting with 19 deliverables across many sectors of cooperation.

"Now, the ministers and the officials will start their hard work to implement all the strategic decisions that we have achieved," he said.