His Excellency Bapak Soeripto, Governor of Riau

His Excellency Bapak Herman Mantiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Singapore

Bapak Rustam, Vice Governor of Riau

Bapak Aziz, Mayor of Batam

Bapak Ismeth Abdullah, Chairman of the Batam Industrial Development Authority

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Southeast Asia is now experiencing a most difficult and painful time because of the current financial crisis. The lives of many people have been badly affected due the consequent unemployment, and shortages and price inflation of basic necessities. The food shortage problem has been further compounded by bad climatic conditions last year. In bad times like these, neighbours need mutual support and encouragement.

Indonesia and Singapore are close neighbours and have a long history of friendship and cooperation. Over the years, we have built enduring institutional and people-to-people links. Our broad-based bilateral cooperation built on mutual respect and benefit has laid strong foundations for closer ties for the future, a result of sustained effort from both sides. The excellent ties between our two countries remain strong in good and difficult times. Singapore will help Indonesia within the limits of our ability. We have a vested interest in Indonesia’s stability, growth and prosperity. Singapore will work with the Indonesian Government to bring confidence and economic recovery back to Indonesia and the region.

Excellencies

Ladies and Gentlemen

On 6 July 1998, the Singapore Government announced that it would extend S$12 million worth of rice and supplies of medicine to Indonesia. This offer of humanitarian assistance is a demonstration of Singapore’s concern. On 6 August 1998, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence His Excellency Rear Admiral (NS) Teo Chee Hean handed over the first phase of humanitarian assistance to Minister of Defence and Security and Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) His Excellency General Wiranto for distribution to the Indonesian people.

Today marks the delivery of the second phase of the humanitarian assistance, which will comprise 4,000 metric tons of rice and a supply of medicines for the people of Riau province. These will be delivered in two shipments, in October and December this year. It is a privilege for me to be here today to present a package of rice and medicine on behalf of the Government and people of Singapore to the Government and people of Indonesia.

The provincial government of Riau has kindly agreed to our request to help us distribute the rice and medicines to those who need them most. On behalf of the Singapore Government, I would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to His Excellency Bapak Soeripto and PEMDA Riau for their assistance. Officials from our two countries have been working closely on the details of this delivery of humanitarian assistance. The close coordination and cooperation between our officials in carrying out this mission reflects the strong working relationship we have built up over the years of cooperation. I am confident that these linkages and cooperation will further strengthen in the years to come.

Thank you.

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