MFA Press Statement : Official Visit of Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for the Environment & Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu to The People's Republic of China, 23 to 26 March 2014

Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu and Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Low Yen Ling met National People’s Congress Vice Chairperson and All China Women’s Federation President Shen Yueyue in Beijing this afternoon. Minister Fu is visiting China at the invitation of President Shen.

Minister Fu expressed to President Shen the Singapore government’s concern for the Chinese passengers and their families on board Malaysian Airlines MH370. Minister Fu and President Shen had a wide-ranging discussion on women’s issues, including on employment, childcare, healthcare and elderly policies. They also discussed issues of mutual concern, such as preparing for an ageing population and tackling marriage and parenthood issues, and agreed that both sides can learn from each other.

Minister Fu also met Communist Party of China International Department Vice Minister Chen Fengxiang this afternoon. They reaffirmed the excellent and multi-faceted relations between China and Singapore and exchanged views on how both sides can further strengthen and broaden bilateral cooperation. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Minister Fu and Parliamentary Secretary Low also attended a Dialogue with Singaporeans based in Beijing, where they discussed issues related to Budget 2014.