Haze prevention, aviation safety on the agenda during DPM Teo's meeting with Joko Widodo

SINGAPORE - Better co-operation in better haze prevention, counter-terrorism issues, and operation of the Flight Information Region (FIR) were some issues that were discussed today (Nov 24) between Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, is currently in Jakarta on a working visit till tomorrow, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The FIR over the airspace above the Riau Islands is currently managed by Singapore to coordinate the take-off, landing and over-flights in the region.

While Indonesia has made clear its intention to manage the FIR, DPM Teo and President Widodo agreed that safety, efficiency and the smooth operation of the FIR was the top priority.

Various ways to strengthen the long-standing bilateral military relationship was also on the agenda.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be visiting Indonesia in 2016, as a follow-up to President Widodo's visit to Singapore in July. DPM Teo informed President Widodo that PM Lee was looking forward to the meeting to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

grongloh@sph.com.sg