Goh, Hashimoto talk on RI

Goh, Hashimoto talk on RI

TOKYO (Reuters): Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong spoke on the telephone for about 10 minutes on Monday to exchange views about the Indonesian economy, a senior MOF official said.

"They discussed the current economic situation, which no one can deny is in a severe condition. The IMF (International Monetary Fund) is currently negotiating with Indonesia, so the two said they would like to keep monitoring the situation," he said.

The two prime ministers generally agreed on the issues, the MOF official said, although there were some differences. The official did not elaborate on them.

Asked if there were any requests made by Goh, who initiated the call, the official said that Goh explained Singapore's views on Indonesia.

The two did not discuss topics other than Indonesia, and Hashimoto did not give any instructions to MOF after the telephone call, the official said.