Selamat malam! Have arrived in Bali for a short but busy visit.
Look forward to meeting Presiden Joko Widodo for our 3rd Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat. Both sides take turns hosting this – we first met in Semarang, Central Java in 2016, followed by Singapore last year, when we celebrated RISING 50 – 50 years of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Singapore.
Our relations are strong. Beyond diplomatic ties, we also have close defence cooperation and regular joint military exercises. Following the recent terrible earthquakes and tsunami in Sulawesi, we sent two The Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft with humanitarian supplies to assist in disaster relief. The Singapore Civil Defence Force has also deployed officers to help in the recovery efforts. We will continue to work closely with the local authorities for as long as our help is needed.
Aside from the Leaders’ Retreat, I will also be co-chairing the ASEAN Leaders’ gathering with President Jokowi. Concurrently, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group are holding their Annual Meetings here, so ASEAN Leaders will also be meeting heads of these organisations. We have a lot to do. – LHL
(The traditional “Barong Ket” Balinese dance depicts the battle between the mythical lion-like Barong and the evil witch Rangda. / MCI Photo by LH Goh)
