Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed called on the Governor of Aceh Irwandi Yusuf on 11 December 2008 in Banda Aceh. SMS Zainul and Governor Irwandi discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation and cultural links between Singapore and Aceh. SMS Zainul was also updated on the progress made in Aceh's reconstruction following the December 2004 Tsunami.
SMS Zainul met with cultural leaders on 11 December 2008 at the Aceh Cultural Institute in Banda Aceh. The discussions at this meeting focused on exploring opportunities for cultural exchanges that can take place between cultural institutions in Singapore and Aceh. The cultural leaders also shared their views on the values needed to realise their vision for Aceh's future. SMS Zainul also met Aceh academics and religious scholars and discussed the challenges of implementing syariahlaw there.
SMS Zainul is on a working visit to Medan and Banda Aceh from 9-12 December 2008. SMS Zainul had earlier called on the Governor of North Sumatra Syamsul Arifin in Medan on 10 December 2008 and visited the vegetable farms of Berastagi and tourist destination Taman Simalem Resort by Lake Toba.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
12 DECEMBER 2008