Singapore and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

(Baonghean.vn) - During a meeting between Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on July 28th, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries. They also signed three cooperation agreements on e-government development, youth and sports, and the economy.

This is President Widodo's first official visit to Singapore since taking office last October.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong said the main focus of the meeting was to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia. He emphasized that Singapore is already a leading trading partner and investor for Indonesia. In return, Indonesia has always been an attractive partner for Singaporean companies.

"We are committed to working together to further improve our relationship, so that both sides can benefit," said Mr. Lee Hsien Loong.

Indonesian President Joki Widodo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Both sides also discussed cooperation in tourism development. As Indonesia develops tourist destinations and resorts, Singapore will work together to promote and support Indonesia.

Another item on the agenda was the discussion of security cooperation and the exchange of knowledge between the intelligence agencies of the two countries. Both countries share a common concern regarding the threat of extremism and the ISIS terrorist group. Both countries deploy personnel to participate in counter-terrorism operations worldwide, including in the Middle East.

A key item on the agenda of the meeting between the two leaders was the signing of three treaties.

The first agreement is a memorandum of understanding on e-government cooperation, facilitating the exchange of experience and knowledge to develop e-government in both countries. The second agreement is about youth and sports.

The third agreement is a strategic cooperation agreement between the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Management and the Singapore Federation of Business, aimed at improving economic cooperation between the two countries. This is the first agreement signed between two top-level bodies in Southeast Asia.

President Widodo also urged Singaporean businesses to strengthen economic cooperation with Indonesian partners. Speaking at the meeting, President Widodo affirmed that although the country is facing a cyclical recession, there are still opportunities for investment.

"Singapore will continue to develop and strengthen its already close relationship with Indonesia," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted on Facebook on the evening of July 28.

Ngoc Trung

(According to CNA)