MFA Press Statement: Official Visit of Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to Singapore, 12 November 2009

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on President S R Nathan and met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on 12 November 2009. President Yudhoyono was making his first official visit to Singapore since his inauguration on 20 October 2009. This was also one of President Yudhoyono's first bilateral overseas visits of his second term.

President Nathan congratulated President Yudhoyono on his decisive re-election in the July presidential election. Both leaders affirmed the warm bilateral relations between Singapore and Indonesia, and expressed confidence that bilateral relations could be further strengthened in President Yudhoyono's second term.

Prime Minister Lee and President Yudhoyono agreed that bilateral relations have been good for the past five years. They agreed to find new ways to build on the partnership. Prime Minister Lee expressed confidence that Indonesia would take steps to become more attractive to investors. Prime Minister Lee and President Yudhoyono also discussed how both countries could enhance regional cooperation. Both leaders affirmed the importance of accelerating regional integration and enhancing ASEAN's cooperation with its partners. Prime Minister Lee and President Yudhoyono agreed to have a retreat in Singapore next year.

During Minister Mentor Lee's call on President Yudhoyono, they had a wide-ranging discussion on global and regional issues. Prime Minister Lee and Mrs Lee also hosted President Yudhoyono, First Lady Ani Bambang Yudhoyono and the Indonesian delegation to a dinner at the Istana.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
12 NOVEMBER 2009