Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (right) welcomes Indonesian President Joko Widodo as he arrives in Istana for the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat on March 16. (Photo: straitstimes.com) Singapore (VNA) – Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on March 16 said that Singapore and Indonesia are ready to cooperate in new areas, as the two countries signed agreements on energy, sustainability, health, and human capital development.
Speaking at the 6th Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat, the PM said the bilateral relations are in excellent order and that they are ready to break new ground in fresh areas of cooperation that are deep, multifaceted, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial and will make a difference to future generations.
The two countries signed six agreements covering emerging areas such as the digital economy, sustainability, and human capital development, and traditional areas like security, health, and finance.
Among the agreements, the Singapore-Indonesia Tech-X Programme will be implemented, allowing young technology professionals from Singapore and Indonesia to work in each other’s countries for up to a year.
“Our tech cooperation will strengthen ASEAN collaboration in this emerging sector. This includes working towards a Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) under Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship,” the Singaporean PM said.
He added that Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo and he discussed the Nusantara project at length and his vision for a “green” and “smart” Nusantara.
“It is a major priority for the President and for Indonesia. Singapore is happy to support the President’s vision. We will contribute towards knowledge-sharing, and joint R&D activities,” he said.
He also emphasised Singapore’s full support for Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and for its priorities as the ASEAN Chair.
Singapore will continue working with Indonesia and with ASEAN members on the roadmap for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership and do their part to help Timor-Leste prepare for the obligations and commitments that it will take on when it joins ASEAN./.
