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DPM Teo discusses haze prevention, counter-terrorism and aviation with Jokowi

SINGAPORE — Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister Teo Chee Hean today (Nov 24) called on Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, as part of a three-day working visit by DPM Teo to the Indonesian capital.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (R) welcomes Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean before their meeting at the presidential palace in Jakarta November 24, 2015. Photo: Reuters

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (R) welcomes Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean before their meeting at the presidential palace in Jakarta November 24, 2015. Photo: Reuters

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SINGAPORE — Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister Teo Chee Hean today (Nov 24) called on Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, as part of a three-day working visit by DPM Teo to the Indonesian capital.

Among the issues the two leaders discussed included how Singapore and Indonesia could cooperate better in haze prevention, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said. DPM Teo and President Widodo further discussed how the two countries could enhance existing cooperation in counter-terrorism and also spoke on ways to strengthen the long-standing, mutually-beneficial relationship between the two nations’ militaries.

Another topic that was discussed was regarding the Flight Information Region (FIR). In September this year, it was reported that the Indonesia’s government was looking to take over control of the airspace above the Riau Islands from Singapore, which has been part of the Singapore FIR since 1946.

During a meeting yesterday between DPM Teo and Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan, DPM Teo reiterated that the FIR issue was a technical issue based on aviation safety, and was not an issue of sovereignty. Today, both DPM Teo and President Widodo agreed that the most important priorities should be the safety, efficiency and smooth operation of the FIR.

During the meeting today, DPM Teo and President Widodo also reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing ties between Singapore and Indonesia. DPM Teo further informed President Widodo that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was looking forward to visiting Indonesia next year, as a follow-up to President Widodo’s visit to Singapore in July this year. Both PM Lee and President Widodo are expected to continue discussions on further strengthening the bilateral relationship, including through the six Working Groups on economic cooperation.

DPM Teo’s visit to Jakarta concludes tomorrow.

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