SINGAPORE: Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam said his state visit to Indonesia has reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Speaking to Singapore media at the end of his five-day visit, Dr Tan stressed that the strong ties are built on the close people-to-people relationship.
It was President Tony Tan's first state visit to Indonesia but not his first to the country.
Having been to Indonesia many times since the 1970s, President Tony Tan is familiar with many Indonesians, including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, whom he had met 20 years ago when they were both cabinet ministers.
Dr Tan said: "We know each other well. And I've always have a very high respect for President Yudhoyono, (who is) not only a strong leader, but also somebody with a vision -- somebody who is interested in international affairs as well as our bilateral relations. And we have a very good and easy relationship."
Dr Tan also said that he was impressed with the changes and rapid development in the country.
Dr Tan said: "I would consider that Indonesia has gone past the developing country stage. It is now a middle income country. (There's) still a lot to be done but nevertheless you can see evidence of wealth creation everywhere."
Dr Tan attributed much of Indonesia's progress to the leadership of President Yudhoyono, whose term in office has been marked by political stability and economic growth in the country.
During his 5 day visit, the Singapore President interacted with a broad spectrum of people, Indonesians and Singaporeans, professionals and students alike.
And it was seeing the Singapore volunteers working in Indonesia, Dr Tan said, which was the highlight of his visit.
President Tan and his wife were moved by the work done by the Singapore International Foundation for cancer-stricken children.
And were impressed by the efforts of Mercy Relief to help villagers affected by the 2010 Mount Merapi eruptions.
Dr Tan said: "Seeing the volunteers from Indonesia and Singapore working together, talking to them, you know (they're) not just helping people, they themselves are being helped because they feel they are doing something which gives meaning to their lives.
"This is a wonderful spirit of self-help, this spirit of giving. I'm happy that Singaporeans and Singapore institutions can find ways to interact with their Indonesian counterparts and provide help and assistance wherever possible.
"A country is not built on economic values alone. That, is important. But it's all built and strengthen by human relations."
Dr Tan encouraged more Singaporeans to take part in volunteer work in Indonesia.
He believes they would get as much out their work as the Indonesian beneficiaries.
The Singapore President firmly believes more exchanges between the people in two countries should continue.
He said it is important not only for bilateral ties but that also contribute towards building an ASEAN community.
- CNA/lp
State visit to Indonesia reaffirmed bilateral ties: President Tony Tan
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State visit to Indonesia reaffirmed bilateral ties: President Tony Tan
