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BALI, Indonesia : Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has described the signing of the extradition treaty and the defence cooperation agreement with Indonesia as marking a new phase between the two countries.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday, he said they are two important agreements.
Mr Lee said the Indonesian leader had noted the extradition treaty was not easy to reach for many reasons, including political ones.
But it was a matter which Indonesia had placed considerable importance on and which was also very important to President Yudhoyono because of his campaign against corruption.
Mr Lee said he reaffirmed Singapore's commitment towards an extradition with Indonesia.
While the extradition treaty will not solve all problems, it will be a deterrent to Indonesian fugitives from justice.
It is also a symbol of Singapore's willingness to cooperate with Indonesia in accordance with the law process.
Turning to the defence cooperation agreement, Mr Lee said it would broaden, deepen, and strengthen ties between the Singapore and the Indonesian armed forces, which go back a long way.
Briefing the Singapore media on other issues discussed between the two leaders, the Prime Minister's press secretary said Mr Lee also spoke about the recent disruption of granite supply and the land sand ban.
On the disruption of granite supply, Mr Lee said "Singapore recognised Indonesia's prerogative to deal with the matter in accordance with its laws", but hopes that it can be seen to be handled transparently and with the proper process.
Turning to the sand ban, the spokesman said "Singapore has taken note of Indonesia's decision and will make its own arrangements, as necessary."
The spokesman stressed that despite these matters, Mr Lee conveyed to the Indonesian leader that he (PM Lee) had taken a political decision to carry on with the extradition treaty and the defence cooperation agreement negotiations and to conclude the deal with Indonesia. And Singapore now looks forward to both agreements being ratified and implemented together. - CNA/ms
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