VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Halimah Yacob penned a congratulatory letter to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on his re-election as president of the Republic of Indonesia. In his letter, Prime Minister Loong conveyed congratulations to Indonesian presidential candidate Jokowi on being re-elected as president of the Republic of Indonesia, on the basis of a statement from the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday.

"The strong mandate you received reflects the trust that Indonesians have demonstrated in your continued leadership, and your vision to uplift the lives of all Indonesians," Prime Minister Loong remarked.

During Jokowi's first term in office, the relations between Singapore and Indonesia had made notable progress.

"We jointly launched the Kendal Industrial Park in 2016 and marked 50 years of bilateral relations (“RISING 50”) in 2017. We forged close cooperation in several areas, including trade and investment, digital economy, skills upgrading, tourism, and defence and security. Our relations are in excellent shape. I look forward to working closely with you to build on what we have achieved and to explore new opportunities for cooperation, for the benefit of our people," Prime Minister Loong stated.

In the meantime, President Yacob noted that President Jokowi’s comfortable win over his rival mirrors the trust and confidence laid by Indonesians on his leadership.

"On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend my warmest congratulations on your re-election as president of the Republic of Indonesia," President Yacob stated.

She affirmed that Jokowi' decisive victory corroborates the Indonesians' trust and in his leadership. She further expressed confidence in Jokowi's ability to build on the strong foundations of his first term to realize a better future for all Indonesians.

President Yacob highlighted the sound relations between Singapore and Indonesia, built on mutual respect and cooperation. Our people-to-people ties are deep and continue to intensify.

"I am certain that the ties between our nations will continue to deepen in the years ahead," she noted. (ant)