Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (3rd L, front) and Indonesian President Joko Widodo (4th L, front) attend a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Indonesia at the Singapore's Marina South, on Sept. 7, 2017. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
SINGAPORE, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Singapore and Indonesia will likely deepen their cooperation in digital economy and tourism, according to Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo at a joint press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Lee said he discussed the areas Singapore and Indonesia can deepen bilateral cooperation with Widodo in a "good meeting this morning", which is part of Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat for the 50 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said since last Leaders' Retreat, many areas of cooperation have been progressing, including investments and skills training, digital economy and initiatives to support regional growth and development in Indonesia.
"We will continue to enjoy a strong, forward-looking and dynamic relationship," said the prime minister.
"And I look forward to seeing Singapore and Indonesia rise together to greater heights over the next 50 years."
Widodo said Indonesia and Singapore have overcome challenges of last 50 years, and they will face challenges of next 50 years.
"I am glad that the discussion this morning with Prime Minister Lee was focusing on our cooperation ahead, including the development of digital economy," he said.
Indonesian president said digital economy development is now imperative and will be a priority for Indonesia and Singapore.
"If we can combine the potential of investment, technology with talents, as well as the youth market potential, then digital economy cooperation will make Indonesia as well as Singapore's economy even stronger," he said.
Widodo added that the two countries agreed to improve cooperation and synergize their comparative attempts in tourism, through developing joint tourism destination, cooperating on operating cruise ships and cruise ship harbor construction, and increasing tourism infrastructure investment.
