JAKARTA - Indonesian diplomacy is moving heavily in one day. The government released Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after the Leaders' Retreat, then welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who arrived for a state visit in Jakarta.
Foreign Minister Sugiono said the two agendas took place on the same day, Monday, July 6. He conveyed this when he escorted Lawrence Wong and welcomed Narendra Modi at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta.
"This morning we received Prime Minister Lawrence Wong from Singapore together with his delegation in the framework of what we call the Leaders' Retreat," said Sugiono.
According to Sugiono, the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Lawrence Wong was filled with meetings between heads of state, a joint lunch, and discussions on follow-up cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore.
The Leaders' Retreat is a typical bilateral forum for Indonesia and Singapore. This forum is used to discuss strategic issues of the two neighboring countries, ranging from technology, education, to the management of the Malacca Strait.
Sugiono said Indonesia and Singapore could not ignore geographical facts. The closeness must be maintained because the relationship between the two countries concerns the economy, connectivity, and regional security.
"Singapore and Indonesia are destined to live as neighbors," said Sugiono.
In the afternoon, President Prabowo welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who came to Indonesia for a state visit. The visit was a response to Prabowo's visit to India some time ago.
"This afternoon, the President also picked up Indian Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi who is on a state visit to Indonesia," said Sugiono.
Modi's agenda will continue at the Merdeka Palace. The series of events includes a one-on-one meeting with President Prabowo, bilateral meetings, and a state banquet at the State Palace.
Sugiono said Indonesia and India would discuss about seven or eight priority areas of cooperation. The fields include defense, education, health, and technology development.
Modi is also scheduled to visit the Prambanan Temple before concluding his visit on July 8. According to Sugiono, one of the agreements between Indonesia and India concerns the restoration of the Prambanan Temple.
The two agendas in one day show the density of Indonesian diplomatic work. Singapore brought the issue of neighborliness and strategic sea lanes. India brought a wider agenda of cooperation, from defense to technology.
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