Singapore, Indonesia leaders hold high-level talks amid bilateral challenges

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto engaged in high-level talks recently, addressing ongoing bilateral challenges. Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan stated that the communication between the two leaders demonstrated a mutual political commitment to take necessary actions.

Balakrishnan hinted at the focus shifting towards executing the plans and commitments, but declined to discuss specific details, assuring Singapore media of the communication at the highest level.

During his working visit to Indonesia, Wong met his newly appointed Indonesian counterpart, Arrmanatha Nasir, and called on President Prabowo. The interview, available through Singapore's Foreign Ministry, highlighted the good, honest, and sincere conversations that took place between the leaders. They jointly announced the Joint Task Force, a collective response to the transboundary issue of haze.

The task force aims to enhance information sharing, strengthen coordination, and deter anti-social and dangerous acts from companies. Balakrishnan expressed confidence in holding companies accountable and preventing recurrence of such incidents.