Meeting Prabowo, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Says Communication Underpins Commitments

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said communication at the highest level between Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had provided an important foundation for the two countries to turn political commitments into concrete action.

Balakrishnan made the remarks after meeting President Prabowo Subianto in Hambalang, West Java, on Wednesday (28 October).

“That communication provides the foundation for both sides’ political commitment to do what is necessary. Now we must implement those plans and turn the commitments into concrete action,” Balakrishnan said.

He did not elaborate on the details of his meeting with Prabowo. However, Singapore’s foreign minister emphasised that communication between the two countries’ leaders had built political commitment that must now be followed up by carrying out the plans already drawn up.

“I cannot discuss the meeting in detail. However, I can confirm that communication at the highest level has taken place between our prime minister and President Prabowo,” he said.

Neighbouring countries, he said, would always face shared challenges, including transboundary haze and pandemics, and would therefore need to take a collective approach to addressing them.

Balakrishnan said differences in priorities and approaches between countries were inevitable. He stressed, however, the importance of direct, honest, open and constructive communication in finding solutions together.

Asked about the impact of haze on Singaporeans, Balakrishnan said the problem had persisted for nearly three decades, making it necessary to work to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

“We need to respond calmly and wisely. Differences are natural, as are controversial statements that sometimes emerge. Singapore’s approach, however, is to be prepared for various possibilities, remain constructive and maintain quiet confidence,” he said.