SINGAPORE — Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yesterday received the Order of Temasek (First Class) — Singapore’s highest honour — for his contribution to regional cooperation and the close bilateral ties between the two countries.

The citation for the award, which was conferred by Singapore President Tony Tan, listed the considerable accomplishments Dr Yudhoyono had achieved in his 10 years in office — from consolidating Indonesian democracy and fostering steady economic growth to lifting millions of people out of poverty. The citation said Dr Yudhonoyo, who is accompanied by his wife on a state visit here, also fostered a positive regional climate, which benefited Singapore greatly.

“A politically stable and economically successful Indonesia has helped ASEAN (the Association of South-east Asian Nations) greatly, both in terms of regional cooperation and in the confidence and security this has created throughout the region. President Yudhoyono’s foreign policy has emphasised ASEAN unity, as well as engaging member states and external partners as friends and equals. In international fora such as APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), G20 (Group of Twenty) and the United Nations, his initiatives and pronouncements have raised Indonesia’s stature and strengthened ASEAN’s voice in world affairs. When issues have arisen, President Yudhoyono has taken a wise, strategic view, safeguarding Indonesia’s interests, but maintaining relations and preventing these issues from affecting the overall cooperation and friendship,” the citation read.

“During President Yudhoyono’s tenure, our bilateral ties have deepened considerably. Our trade has grown, cooperation between the Indonesian military (TNI) and SAF (the Singapore Armed Forces) is ongoing, and we work closely but quietly together on security and counterterrorism,” it added, noting that Indonesia is one of Singapore’s most important foreign partners.

Yesterday, Dr Yudhoyono met Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and the two leaders discussed the state of bilateral ties and progress made in various areas of cooperation over the past decade. “Prime Minister Lee expressed his appreciation for President Yudhoyono’s strong support for the Singapore-Indonesia relationship and conveyed that Singapore looked forward to further enhancing our strong ties with Indonesia,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a second maritime boundary agreement. The first was signed in 2009.

Dr Yudhoyono leaves office next month.