S'pore, Indonesia Will Blaze Path for Rest of Asean: President Tharman

Both countries now making bold strides to push the frontiers of cooperation, he says

- Chin Soo Fang

Deep, honest friendship built on understanding and trust – like what Singapore and Indonesia share – is the most precious geopolitical asset in a changing world, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on June 16.

Speaking at a state banquet hosted for his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto on June 16, Mr Tharman noted: "Over the past few years, Singapore and Indonesia have opened a new era in our relationship. With regard to longstanding bilateral issues, we have listened closely to each other and found ways to move forward constructively for mutual benefit."

He added: "By working together, Singapore and Indonesia will also blaze a path forward, as two of the founding members of Asean, for the rest of Asean."

Mr Tharman said both countries are now making bold strides to push the frontiers of cooperation, in areas such as the green economy, manufacturing, digitalisation and education.

Mr Prabowo, who grew up in Singapore when it was still a British colony, said he is convinced that the interests of both countries are intertwined.