JAKARTA - Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted Singapore and Indonesia's defense relations, which were considered to have built mutual trust between the two countries. He specifically mentioned the cooperation between the Singapore Armed Forces or SAF with the Indonesian National Army.
The statement was made by Wong during a joint statement with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday, July 6.
"The good relationship between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Indonesian National Army has built a sense of mutual trust between the two countries," said Wong.
Wong also expressed his appreciation to Prabowo. He assessed that Prabowo had an important role in strengthening relations between the two armed forces while still serving as Minister of Defense.
"I also want to express my special appreciation to President Prabowo for the important role he played in strengthening the relationship between the two armed forces when he was still serving as Minister of Defense," said Wong.
According to Wong, the defense cooperation between the two countries continues to move through the Defense Cooperation Agreement. Based on the agreement, the SAF and the TNI are exploring the development of training facilities in Baturaja and the Siabu Air Weapons Training Field.
"SAF and TNI are exploring the development of training facilities in Baturaja and the Siabu Air Weapons Training Field," said Wong.
Wong said the development of the facility would provide more opportunities for the two armed forces to practice together. He said the cooperation was mutually beneficial and deepened the long-standing defense relationship.
"This initiative will provide more mutually beneficial opportunities for the two armed forces to train together," Wong said.
For Indonesia, this cooperation is not just a routine military agenda. Training facilities, exchange of capabilities, and joint exercises are part of maintaining trust in the region, where sea lanes are very important.
Wong also said Singapore would continue to support Indonesia's development priorities through capacity-building programs. This support includes areas such as health and agricultural technology.
"Singapore will also continue to support Indonesia's various development priorities through capacity-building programs," said Wong.
In his statement, Wong placed defense cooperation as part of the institutional relationship between the two countries. In addition to economic and people-to-people relations, institutional relations are considered important to maintain long-term stability.
Wong called Singapore and Indonesia as partners who trust each other and have interests in each other's success. According to him, cooperation between the two countries can create greater opportunities than if they were on their own.
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