RI meets Singapore to discuss piracy

RI meets Singapore to discuss piracy

Indonesia's defense secretary met his Singapore counterpart on Wednesday to discuss cooperation against pirates at sea - a day after a maritime watchdog said the vast archipelago needed to take serious steps in fighting attacks at sea.

Suprihadi, Indonesia's secretary-general for defense, held discussions on "transnational threats such as terrorism and piracy" with Singapore Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean and other local defense officials, a statement from Singapore's Ministry of Defense said.

The visit by Suprihadi - who like many Indonesians uses one name - and subsequent policy discussions were part of a series of "regular interactions" between the Southeast Asian neighbors, the statement said.

Both Indonesia and Singapore control parts of the Straits of Singapore and the Straits of Malacca, two of the world's busiest waterways. -- AP