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.