28 Oct 2020
CLARIFICATION
It has come to our attention that a 19 October 2020 press statement from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs entitled “Strengthening the State’s Defence, Indonesia Establishes Regional Cooperation with ASEAN Countries” contained comments suggesting that Singapore sought to conclude a defence cooperation agreement with Indonesia alongside an extradition treaty and a bilateral agreement on the Flight Information Region.
The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore wishes to clarify that, as announced at the joint press conference at the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat on 8 October 2019, Singapore and Indonesia have agreed on a framework for discussion on two issues: (1) the status of the Flight Information Region; and (2) military training in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The framework acknowledges that the core interests and rights of both Singapore and Indonesia must be recognised and respected, and that both countries will negotiate agreements on the above two issues which are durable and for the long haul. Discussions are ongoing solely on the basis of this framework. Singapore remains committed to working with Indonesia to resolve these two longstanding issues in an open and constructive manner.
Embassy of the Republic of Singapore