Indonesian, Singaporean leaders vow to deepen ties in defense, green economy

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Indonesian and Singaporean leaders on Monday vowed to deepen collaboration in key areas such as defense, the green economy, and industrial development.

With Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong hosting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the two agreed to “strengthen the partnership in defense through joint military training, promote green economic growth through the development of industrial zones,” Prabowo wrote on X.

He said their leaders retreat was a key chance to speed up progress in multiple sectors and to reinforce the collaboration already established between the two nations.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, agreeing to work closely in various fields such as health, energy, finance, education, and food security, according to a statement by Singapore’s Foreign Ministry.

“The Leaders agreed on the need to deepen internal integration within ASEAN and engagements with its external partners, so that ASEAN can continue to thrive and grow,” the statement said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Singapore, both members of the ASEAN bloc, were established in 1967, with trade between the two nations reaching $59 billion in 2019, according to official Singaporean data.