Foreign minister prepares Jokowi`s upcoming visit to Singapore

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday to notify the president about his upcoming state visit to Singapore on Sept 6 and 7.

"I will do the last wrap-up visit with Singapores Foreign Minister in Batam today to monitor every substantial aspect," the minister stated.

Singapores Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan is currently visiting Indonesia to increase the status of Singapores consulates in Medan and Batam to be consulate general.

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year, Jokowi will have a bilateral meeting with Singapores Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, followed by a business forum and cooperation agreement between both countries air forces.

Among the topics to be discussed between the two leaders is the development of Kendal Industrial Area, which was inaugurated in Nov 2016.

"The number of companies investing in the industrial area has been increasing to 30 companies, while the other 40 companies are in the process to invest. The total investment for Kendal has reached US$360 million," Retno revealed.

Another highlight of the bilateral meeting between Jokowi and Loong is the cooperation in digital economy.

"The digital economy has (opened) a lot of cooperation, both in the context of the industry, education and investment," she noted.

Source: ANTARA