Singapore, Indonesia reach agreement on border dispute
By Sujadi Siswo, Channel NewsAsia's Indonesia bureau chief | Posted: 02 February 2009 2158 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Indonesia and Singapore have settled a dispute over a maritime border that spans over 36 years.

It involves the area around Indonesia's Nipah Island, in the Riau Islands, nearest to Singapore.

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said an agreement would be signed by both countries later this month.

Agreement was reached after more than three years of protracted negotiations.

President Yudhoyono said the settlement of the border dispute would ensure Indonesia's economic development in the area.

He also said it would ensure economic cooperation with Singapore and Malaysia, which also shares a maritime border in the Riau Islands.

- CNA/ir