Today Online 24 Nov 15;
SINGAPORE — Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister Teo Chee Hean today (Nov 24) called on Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, as part of a three-day working visit by DPM Teo to the Indonesian capital.
Among the issues the two leaders discussed included how Singapore and Indonesia could cooperate better in haze prevention, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said. DPM Teo and President Widodo further discussed how the two countries could enhance existing cooperation in counter-terrorism and also spoke on ways to strengthen the long-standing, mutually-beneficial relationship between the two nations’ militaries.
Another topic that was discussed was regarding the Flight Information Region (FIR). In September this year, it was reported that the Indonesia’s government was looking to take over control of the airspace above the Riau Islands from Singapore, which has been part of the Singapore FIR since 1946.
During a meeting yesterday between DPM Teo and Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan, DPM Teo reiterated that the FIR issue was a technical issue based on aviation safety, and was not an issue of sovereignty. Today, both DPM Teo and President Widodo agreed that the most important priorities should be the safety, efficiency and smooth operation of the FIR.
During the meeting today, DPM Teo and President Widodo also reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing ties between Singapore and Indonesia. DPM Teo further informed President Widodo that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was looking forward to visiting Indonesia next year, as a follow-up to President Widodo’s visit to Singapore in July this year. Both PM Lee and President Widodo are expected to continue discussions on further strengthening the bilateral relationship, including through the six Working Groups on economic cooperation.
DPM Teo’s visit to Jakarta concludes tomorrow.
Singapore, Indonesia reaffirm bilateral ties
Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean called on Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, with both discussing how to further strengthen the long-standing and mutually-beneficial military ties.
Channel NewsAsia 24 Nov 15;
JAKARTA: Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean called on Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta on Tuesday (Nov 24), the second day of his working visit there.
Both of them reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing ties between the two countries.
Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Mr Widodo discussed how to further strengthen the long-standing and mutually-beneficial military ties, and how Singapore and Indonesia can enhance existing cooperation in counter-terrorism.
The issue of transboundary haze was also discussed and how both countries can cooperate better in haze prevention.
Another subject raised was the Flight Information Region (FIR). Singapore has been in control of the airspace over some areas in Riau - such as Batam, Tanjung Pinang, Bintan and the Natuna islands - since 1946. Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Monday that the Republic's main concern is to ensure the safety and security of aircraft passing through the very busy airspace covered by the FIR.
Mr Teo and Mr Widodo agreed that the priority should be the safety, efficiency and smooth operation of the FIR. Mr Teo also told Mr Widodo that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is looking forward to visiting Indonesia next year, after Mr Widodo's visit to Singapore in July this year.
The leaders are expected to continue discussions on further strengthening the bilateral relationship. Mr Teo returns to Singapore on Wednesday.
- CNA/ek
Jokowi discusses Batam-Bintan-Karimun economic zone with Singapore
Antara 24 Nov 15;
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean here on Tuesday to discuss a wide range of issues including Singaporean investment in the Batam-Bintan-Karimun special economic zone.
The meeting between President Jokowi and Teo Chee Hean who is also the Singaporean coordinating minister for national security took place at the Merdeka Palace.
Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi told the press after accompanying President Jokowi at the meeting that the two neighboring countries reiterated the importance of partnership.
"Singapore is the largest investor in Indonesia, while our trade with Singapore is also very large. Therefore, the two countries have committed themselves to continue the very strong economic relations," the minister said.
The meeting also discussed a follow up to President Jokowis visit to Singapore some time ago to discuss the Batam-Bintan-Karimun special economic zone, she said.
"The President also reiterated our commitment to continue to encourage Singapore to invest in Batam-Bintan-Karimun," she said.
The other issue discussed at the meeting was the recent haze from land and forest fires in Sumatra. Singapore has agreed to cooperate with Indonesia to prevent a recurrence of such haze in the future.(*)
