MFA Press Statement of PM Lee Hsien Loong’s attendance at the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (6 Nov 2012)

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is in Vientiane, Lao PDR, for the 9th Summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), had meetings with leaders from the Czech Republic, the European Council and the European Commission. PM Lee also paid a courtesy call on Lao President Choummaly Sayasone.

PM Lee and President Sayasone reaffirmed the warm ties of friendship between Singapore and the Lao PDR. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

During PM Lee's meeting with European Council President Herman van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, they reaffirmed the excellent cooperation between Singapore and the European Union (EU). The leaders also looked forward to the conclusion of the EU-Singapore FTA and the EU-Singapore Partnership Cooperation Agreement, which will enhance the economic and political relations between Singapore and the EU, and exchanged views on developments in Asia and Europe.

PM Lee also met Czech President Vaclav Klaus. They discussed developments in the Eurozone.

Minister in Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu, who is accompanying PM Lee, had meetings with her counterparts from Latvia, the Slovak Republic, Sweden and Switzerland. She also paid a courtesy call on Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr Thongloun Sisoulith. During their meetings, they discussed the friendly relations Singapore and the respective countries enjoy, as well as regional and international developments.

PM Lee and the delegation from Singapore departed Vientiane in the afternoon.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
6 NOVEMBER 2012