Singapore laid on a warm welcome for Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri as she arrived Sunday as part of a Southeast Asia tour and expressed confidence she will turn the region's largest nation around.
Prime Minister Gok Chok Tong broke with protocol to personally welcome Megawati at Changi Airport on her arrival from Bangkok.
At a state luncheon held at his official residence, Singapore President S.R. Nathan expressed hope that Megawati would be able to steer her country out of its political and economic crises.
"With your election, hopes have been raised, both within and outside of Indonesia, for Indonesia to turn around," he said.
During her 23-hour visit, Megawati will hold separate meetings with Goh and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the city-state's modern day founder who still holds significant influence in the government.
The Indonesian leader is accompanied by her husband Taufiq Kiemas and a 60-member delegation that includes Political and Security Affairs Coordinating Minister Susilo Yudhoyono and Economics Affairs Coordinating Minister Dorodjatun Kuntoro-Jakti.
Nathan stressed that the Indonesian leader must be allowed time to resolve the issues facing Southeast Asia's most populous country.
"Indonesia indeed faces many complex challenges and problems, which can only be resolved through sheer commitment and determination. It would take time," said Nathan.
"There is no quick fix. It would be unrealistic to expect otherwise," he said.
Nathan also assured Megawati of Singapore's support for her efforts to tackle the host of problems facing Indonesia.
"Bilateral relations between our countries are excellent," he said, adding he wanted to reassure her of Singapore's "continued friendship and support".
In a toast to her hosts, Megawati expressed hoped that her visit would "deepen" relations and co-operation.
In her talks with the island state's leaders, Megawati was expected to push for more Singaporean investment in her country's ailing economy and explore ways to combat regional piracy.
"The most recent problem is how to combat piracy. I believe that will become an issue that will be discussed by our leaders," State Secretary and presidential spokesman Bambang Kesowo told the Business Times on Saturday.
Piracy in Southeast Asia has worsened since the 1997-98 financial crisis with the Straits of Malacca, one of the busiest sea lanes in the world, experiencing more attacks.
Megawati is a frequent visitor to Singapore, more often on shopping expeditions, but this is her first visit as president since she assumed the post last month.
Her whirlwind tour of nine neighboring countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is her first foreign tour as head of state since replacing former leader Abdurrahman Wahid, who was sacked by parliament.
Megawati's itinerary also takes in the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei, and Malaysia.
She will head for Malaysia, the last leg of her tour, on Monday for a two day visit where she will meet up with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad -- SINGAPORE (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
