MFA Press Statement: PM Lee Hsien Loong's Official Visit to France and Participation at the World Economic Forum Annual Meetings in Davos, Switzerland, 21 - 26 January 2008

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will make an official visit to France from 21-23 January 2008, followed by Davos, Switzerland, from 23-26 January 2008 to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meetings.

In Paris, PM Lee will call on the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy. He will also meet with Prime Minister François Fillon, Minister for the Economy, Finance and Employment, Mdm Christine Lagarde, and Minister for Defence, Mr Hervé Morin. PM Lee will be hosted to lunch by the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Mr Bernard Kouchner.

During the visit, PM Lee will also deliver the opening remarks at a meeting with French businessmen organised by the French Business Confederation (Mouvement des Entreprises de France, or MEDEF). He will also meet with other prominent French businessmen and academics.

In Paris, PM Lee will be accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr George Yeo, Minister for Trade & Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, and senior officials.

In Davos, PM Lee, as the current ASEAN Chair, will attend the ASEAN High-Level Plenary "The Emerging Asian Community: The Role of ASEAN". The Plenary will focus on how ASEAN can play its part in a changing East Asia, featuring a dialogue between the WEF participants with ASEAN Leaders.

PM Lee will also participate in the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders on Climate Change organised by the WEF. PM Lee will also host an EDB networking luncheon for top corporate leaders and a dinner for senior journalists from various countries. He will also have meetings with other leaders and senior business executives.

In Davos, PM Lee will be accompanied by Mrs Lee, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr George Yeo, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang and senior officials.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
20 JANUARY 2008