RI, S'pore Leaders To Discuss Seven Priorities

Jakarta, April 22 (Antara) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong are scheduled to discuss seven major issues of interest to both countries in the annual head of state`s level meeting in Singapore on Monday. "Along with the Singaporean Prime Minister, we will conduct a review of the ongoing cooperation for new opportunities in enhancing cooperation. There are seven priorities," the President said in his press conference at Halim Airport on Monday, before starting his working visit to Singapore. The seven main issues are made up of investment sector, air transport, agribusiness, tourism, labor, cooperation in the area of Batam-Bintan-Karimun and other special economic zones, as well as counter-terrorism cooperation. "So far we are working well together. Singapore is the board`s top trading partner of Indonesia," he said, adding that the total value of trade between the two countries reached 43 billion U.S. dollars. The two countries have a common interest to keep the economic cooperation running well, according to the president. In addition to the annual bilateral meeting, President Yudhoyono in Singapore will also receive a degree conferment of Honoris Doctorate (Doctor of Letters) from the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU). "The truth has long been scheduled, but only this time could be present," he said. President is also scheduled to deliver a speech in front of the business and financial community in Singapore, located in the "Thomson Reuters Newsmaker." "It`s an opportunity for me to talk with investors ... for the sake of economic cooperation," he said. Meanwhile, the Special Staff of the President of International Relations, Teuku Faiza, after paying a working visit to Singapore, the President and his entourage then continued his journey towards Pyi Taw, Myanmar on April 23 for a state visit until 24 April 2013.