Changi/Batam maritime borders treaty signed

[SINGAPORE] Indonesia and Singapore have inked a landmark treaty that demarcates sea borders in the eastern part of the Strait of Singapore, in the area between Changi and Batam.

The pact was signed by Foreign Minister K Shanmugam and his Indonesian counterpart Marty Natalegawa at the Istana on Wednesday. The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and visiting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Speaking at a state banquet held in his honour, Dr Yudhoyono described the treaty - covering a 9.45 kilometre stretch - as an important one that sets a "new milestone" in bilateral relations between the two Asean neighbours.