23 September 2005

1700HRS, JAKARTA, INDONESIA

Your Excellency Mr M. Hatta Rajasa, Minister for Transportation, Republic of Indonesia

 

Distinguished Guests

 

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to be here this afternoon for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on "Cooperation on Human Resources Development of the Government Officers in the Maritime Field" between the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST) of the Republic of Indonesia and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The signing of this MOU reflects the desire of both countries to enhance and strengthen our already close cooperation in the area of maritime transport.

 

In 2001, our maritime administrations concluded and signed an MOU on "Cooperation in the Field of Education and Training for Seafarers". This MOU was further extended for a period of two years in 2003. Over the past four years, officials from both sides have been working closely on various issues under the MOU. For instance, they have collaborated on a series of courses and study visits covering areas such as oil pollution response, hydrography, pilotage and seafarer certification. Through these activities, our officials have had the opportunity to share information and exchange views on maritime issues, as well as establish good relations at the working level.

 

The MOU that is being signed today builds upon the MOU that was signed back in 2001. The new MOU lays out the framework for Indonesia and Singapore to continue to work together to identify the maritime training needs of our officials, and cooperate in the development of courses and programmes to address these needs. This will allow us to maintain the high standards of technical competence and professionalism found in the personnel of both administrations.

 

I am also pleased to note that DGST and MPA have initiated, within the framework of the MOU, half-yearly bilateral meetings between senior officials of both sides. This will serve as a platform for them to take stock of what has been achieved as well as chart the way ahead. More importantly, such exchanges will also enable our officials to build up ever closer relations and friendships.

 

As close friends and neighbours, Indonesia and Singapore have always enjoyed a strong and substantive relationship. Let me conclude by saying that today's MOU signing not only celebrates the long-standing friendship between Indonesia and Singapore, but also the dawning of many new possibilities in our maritime cooperation.

 

Thank you.