MFA Press Statement: Working visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo to Indonesia, 3 - 5 March 2009

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo visited Makassar, South Sulawesi, from 3 - 4 March 2009 as part of his working visit to Indonesia. Minister Yeo called on Governor of South Sulawesi Syahrul Yasin Limpo, who hosted Minister Yeo and his delegation to dinner yesterday. Minister Yeo and Governor Syahrul discussed ways to increase direct trade and transport links between Singapore and South Sulawesi. Governor Syahrul expressed interest in expanding cooperation between hospitals in Singapore and Makassar. Minister Yeo and Governor Syahrul also noted the historical links between the Bugis of South Sulawesi and Singapore, and agreed to explore ways to promote cultural cooperation between both sides.

Minister Yeo visited Eastern Indonesia's leading tertiary institution Hasanuddin University today, where he was received by University Rector Professor Idrus Paturusi and senior academic staff. Minister Yeo and Professor Idrus discussed how Singapore's Malay Heritage Centre could collaborate with Hasanuddin University to research the historical links between Singapore and the Bugis community in South Sulawesi. Cooperation in other fields between Singapore and the University, such as medicine, and science and technology, was also discussed.

Minister Yeo also visited the Trans Studio Resort and Theme Park development on the Makassar waterfront.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
4 MARCH 2009