High-Level Meeting to Focus on Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo will arrive in Singapore on Thursday (16 Mar) to participate in the annual Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat alongside Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. This marks the sixth retreat between the two leaders, following last year’s meeting in Bintan, Indonesia.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the retreat will review progress in bilateral relations since the previous meeting, including the ratification of agreements under the Expanded Framework. These agreements, ratified by Indonesia in January and finalised domestically by Singapore, address airspace management, defence cooperation, and extradition of fugitives.
Discussions will also focus on bolstering partnerships in key areas such as economic development, socio-cultural collaboration, and security. Emerging sectors, including sustainability, energy, health, and human capital development, will be highlighted.
Key Agreements and Memorandums
Mr Lee and Mr Widodo are set to witness the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed before the retreat. These agreements span both traditional areas like security and forward-looking sectors, reflecting the evolving partnership between the two nations.
High-Level Delegations
President Widodo will be accompanied by ministers and senior officials from Indonesia, while Singapore’s delegation will include Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, and other Cabinet members.
The retreat will also provide an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views on regional and global developments, further solidifying the cooperative relationship between the two neighbouring countries. Following the discussions, Mr Lee will host a luncheon for Mr Widodo and the Indonesian delegation.
