CONFIDENT OF “POSITIVE OUTCOMES”
Speaking to Singapore reporters at the end of his trip on Wednesday evening, Mr Wong reiterated his confidence in being able to achieve “positive outcomes” for the areas of cooperation with Indonesia.
He described Mr Prabowo as “a very action-oriented person” who saw through the Defence Cooperation Agreement during his time as Defence Minister.
Under the Defence Cooperation Agreement, Singapore and Indonesia will continue to strengthen defence partnerships and deepen cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. Together with two other bilateral pacts on air space management and extradition, these agreements signalled a “major milestone” in bilateral relations, the authorities have said previously.
“Now, likewise, as president, I am sure and confident that with the key areas of cooperation we have discussed, we will be able to see positive outcomes,” said Mr Wong.
“That’s why we are looking forward to working with him and his team on these different areas in order to take our relationship to greater heights.”
Asked about the potential cooperation on food security, Mr Wong said Singapore can look into how it can continue to diversify its food imports from Indonesia.
More importantly, Singapore can contribute in the area of food technology, especially in the area of urban farming. While Singapore lacks large farms, there are researchers here looking into ways to increase the resilience and productivity of some crops, said Mr Wong.
“Indonesia wants to enhance and strengthen its own food security … and if there are ways in which we can be helpful, largely through technology and some of the experiences we have … we’ll be happy to share and work together,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Mr Wong laid a wreath at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta before travelling to the Istana Merdeka where he was received by Mr Prabowo.
Following a welcome ceremony conducted by members of the presidential guard and the Indonesian military, Mr Wong signed a guestbook and held meetings with Mr Prabowo and his ministers.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also met Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani and the Speaker of the Regional Representative Council Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin.
On his meeting with Mr Gibran, Mr Wong said they had a “good conversation” on what the vice-president was focused on and potential areas of cooperation. Mr Wong said he also invited Mr Gibran to visit Singapore.
