Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will visit Bogor on Monday (Apr 29) for the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. This meeting marks the seventh and final retreat between the two leaders, capping a period of significant bilateral cooperation and advancements.
Reflecting on Bilateral Cooperation
The upcoming meeting will allow Mr. Lee and Mr. Widodo to reflect on the considerable progress made on various aspects of bilateral cooperation during their respective tenures, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The two leaders have fostered agreements across a broad spectrum of fields.
Key Agreements Entered into Force
One of the pivotal milestones is the implementation of three agreements under the Expanded Framework, which took effect last month. These agreements, signed during the Leaders’ Retreat in Bintan in 2022, encompass air space management, defence, and extradition. These areas represent the strengthened trust and strategic alignment between Singapore and Indonesia.
Progress in Multiple Sectors
Beyond the core agreements, significant advancements have been achieved in a range of other sectors. These include defence, trade and investment, financial cooperation, and sustainability. Both countries have also made strides in the digital economy, reflecting their commitment to evolving with the times.
Review and Future Directions
When Mr. Lee and Mr. Widodo meet on Monday, they will review the progress made in these areas and discuss future directions for cooperation. This will be an opportunity to outline further steps in defence collaboration, explore new avenues for digital economy partnerships, and enhance sustainability efforts.
The Leaders’ Retreat serves as a platform for reaffirming the strong ties between Singapore and Indonesia and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. This final retreat with President Widodo is expected to further cement the legacy of positive engagement between the two nations.
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