MFA Press Statement: Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Medan and Batam, The Republic of Indonesia, 29 to 30 August 2017

          Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Medan in North Sumatra Province on 29 August 2017 and Batam in Riau Islands (KEPRI) Province on 30 August 2017.  Minister Balakrishnan attended the Singapore National Day Receptions in Medan and Batam, which were held in conjunction with the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Indonesia.

         In Medan, Minister Balakrishnan officiated at the upgrading of the Consulate of the Republic of Singapore in Medan to the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Medan.  Minister Balakrishnan also hosted lunch for entrepreneurs based in Medan.  They had a wide-ranging discussion on Medan’s growth potential and opportunities.

           In Batam, Minister Balakrishnan officiated at the upgrading of the Consulate of the Republic of Singapore in Batam to the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Batam.  Minister Balakrishnan was also hosted to lunch by KEPRI Governor Nurdin Basirun, during which they reaffirmed Singapore’s longstanding partnership and strong economic links with KEPRI.  Minister Balakrishnan also launched the RISING50 Singapore-KEPRI Photo Exhibition, and met with key business leaders to discuss economic developments and opportunities in KEPRI.

           Minister Balakrishnan also had a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in Batam to discuss the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat to be held in Singapore on 7 September 2017.  The two Ministers welcomed the good progress made on preparations for the Leaders’ Retreat, and looked forward to a constructive and positive meeting between President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

           Minister Balakrishnan returns to Singapore tonight.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
30 AUGUST 2017