Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia convened for the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat in Bogor, Indonesia, marking their seventh and final meeting as leaders. The annual retreat, a testament to the enduring commitment to bilateral relations, resumed after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Leaders celebrated the recent enactment of agreements under the Expanded Framework, including the Boundary Realignment Agreement, Treaty for Extradition of Fugitives, and Defence Cooperation Agreement, addressing longstanding issues and underscoring the spirit of cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to implementing these agreements seamlessly.
Acknowledging the robust economic ties, with Singaporean investments in Indonesia exceeding S$74 billion, the Leaders welcomed the extension of the Bilateral Financing Agreement between the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Bank Indonesia. They also witnessed the signing of the Joint Update on Defence Cooperation, highlighting the continued collaboration in defense matters.
Embracing new avenues for cooperation, the Leaders emphasized the potential of the green economy and signed an MOU on Community Empowerment in Mangrove Ecosystems, demonstrating their commitment to environmental resilience. They also pledged to advance cross-border electricity trading and explore collaboration in carbon capture and storage.
In the realm of digital transformation, both nations inked an MOU on Cooperation on Digital Transformation and announced the launch of the Tech:X programme, facilitating exchanges of tech professionals to bolster innovation and workforce readiness.
Prime Minister Lee expressed gratitude for President Joko Widodo’s contributions to bilateral relations, affirming Singapore’s unwavering support for Indonesia’s growth trajectory. The Leaders expressed confidence in future generations to sustain the momentum of cooperation, rooted in mutual understanding and robust interpersonal relationships.
As Prime Minister Lee concluded his final Leaders’ Retreat and overseas visit, the enduring friendship between Singapore and Indonesia remains a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity.
This event marks a pivotal moment in the continued partnership between two dynamic nations, committed to addressing shared challenges and fostering mutual growth on the global stage.
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