This year, Indonesia and Singapore will have new leaders. I am sure that under the new leadership, we will continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) formally introduced Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto as Indonesia's president-elect to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his successor, Deputy PM Lawrence Wong, at the Leaders' Retreat on Monday.

The meeting between President Widodo, Defense Minister Prabowo, PM Lee, and Deputy PM Wong took place at Bogor Palace, West Java.

According to the presidential press bureau, during the bilateral meeting between the two countries' leaders, Widodo noted that both Indonesia and Singapore will have new leaders this year.

"This year, Indonesia and Singapore will have new leaders. I am sure that under the new leadership, we will continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation," he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to PM Lee and his cabinet. He said that cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore has gone well under PM Lee's administration.

"I also express my gratitude and appreciation to PM Lee and his cabinet who have worked together with us all this time," he added.

Related news: President Jokowi welcomes Singapore's PM Lee at Bogor Palace

PM Lee will step down from his post on May 15, 2024, with his deputy Lawrence Wong taking over as Singapore's next leader.

Meanwhile, President Widodo's term will end in October this year. He will pass the baton to Subianto, whose term will extend from 2024 to 2029.

During Monday's meeting, PM Lee said he believes that the close relations between the two countries will continue under the next leadership.

"I am happy that President Jokowi and I have passed on good bilateral relations to our successors. I am sure that Minister Prabowo and Deputy PM Wong will continue to take this relationship to a higher level," he added.

The seventh Leaders' Retreat this year marked the last retreat for Widodo and Lee before their term ends.

During the retreat, the two leaders witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding on cooperation by ministers from the two countries. The agreements cover community empowerment in mangrove forest ecosystems and the defense sector.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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