today thursday september 15, 2011

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Spore, Indonesia need to further security cooperation: DPM teo

suJadI sIsWo
sujadi@mediacorp.com.sg

ESM Goh and PM Wen reaffirm ties between two countries

DALIAN Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao have reaffirmed the excellent ties between the two countries. They also agreed on the need to explore new areas of cooperation such as sustainable development, as both countries face similar challenges in promoting development in the face of environmental and resource constraints. The two men met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Dalian, China, yesterday. They noted the good progress made on bilateral cooperative projects such as the Suzhou Industrial Park and the Tianjin Eco-City. Mr Goh and Mr Wen agreed that maintaining a stable and secure environment in north-east Asia is critical for the regions sustained economic growth. Mr Wen also expressed confidence that Mr Goh will continue to strengthen cooperation between China and Singapore. Mr Goh said that even though he had stepped down from the Cabinet, he will continue to be active in deepening and broadening relations with China as well as other countries. He added that this is both a personal choice as well as the wish of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. ChaNNeL NeWsasIa

JAKARTA With the emergence of new challenges that go beyond apprehending extremists, Singapore and Indonesia need to further their security cooperation, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean yesterday. Mr Teo, who was making his first visit to Indonesia as Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Minister, said there are two areas where the two countries can work together One is counter-radicalisation, which is how to vaccinate or inoculate the population so that they are less susceptible to extremist ideas which are propagated. And the second is rehabilitation which is among those who have been detained or their families how we helped them re-integrate into society when they are released, Mr Teo said at the end of his three-day visit. These two areas are key in combating the extremists ideology, added Mr Teo, who had earlier met with his counterpart, Mr Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for Security, Legal and Political Affairs. Mr Teo said he plans to engage his Philippine counterparts in the fight against extremism. Theres a connection between those who have been radicalised in Singapore,

deputy prime minister teo Chee hean (left) and Indonesian president susilo bambang yudhoyono. photo Courtesy mICa

Singapore-Malaysia ties entering new phase: Shanmugam

PUTRAJAYA Foreign Minister K Shanmugam has said that many of the issues between Singapore and Malaysia have been resolved and that the relationship between the two countries is entering a new phase. Speaking in Putrajaya yesterday after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, Mr Shanmugam said: There is increased trade, investment and it is good for both countries. This is really part of a process of deepening of relationship and establishing a strong bond. Mr Shanmugam, who is on a two-day visit to Malaysia, described yesterdays meetings as warm and friendly a sentiment echoed by his Malaysian counterpart. Both of us agreed the relationship between Malaysia and Singapore is at a best level. Therefore, we agreed to continue to engage and discuss what is the best for both countries and our people, said Mr Anifah. The two ministers discussed how to take several bilateral issues forward, and promised to forge closer ties both at the ministerial level as well as between their officials, by doing away with time-wasting formalities. meLIssa Goh

where they got their training from and where they got exposure. Some of them have been in southern Philippines. So I hope at some point in time also to engage my Philippine colleagues, Mr Teo said. During his visit, Mr Teo also held talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vice-President Boediono, and met a number of prominent leaders in Jakarta. ChaNNeL NeWsasIa