MFA Press Statement: Official Visit to Singapore by Prime Minister and Minister of Defence & Security of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, 3 - 5 June 2013

The Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Security of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, began his official visit to Singapore today. Prior to this, Prime Minister Gusmão had participated in the Shangri-La Dialogue which concluded on 2 June 2013.

Prime Minister Gusmão was officially welcomed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a ceremony at the Istana this evening. Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Gusmão called on Prime Minister Lee, who also hosted him to an official dinner.

During their meeting, both Prime Ministers reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Singapore. The Prime Ministers welcomed the increasing interest among Singapore companies to explore business opportunities in Timor-Leste, particularly in the oil and gas sector. They also discussed domestic developments in Timor-Leste as well as regional matters including Timor-Leste’s application for ASEAN membership and the ongoing ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) process. In this respect, Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to the ACCWG process, as well as our continued assistance in capacity building for Timor-Leste.

After their meeting, the Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the Air Services Agreement (ASA) by Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu and Timor-Leste Minister of Transport and Communications Pedro Lay da Silva. The ASA will facilitate the continued growth of air services between Singapore and Timor-Leste, supporting greater bilateral trade, investment and people flows.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Gusmão visited the National Orchid Garden, where an orchid hybrid was named in his honour. Over the next two days, Prime Minister Gusmão will call on President Tony Tan Keng Yam, deliver public lectures at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, and visit Jurong Island.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
3 JUNE 2013