Minister-delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness of France Franck Riester was hosted to lunch by Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Foreign Affairs and Transport Chee Hong Tat on 14 December 2020.
SMS Chee and Minister-delegate Riester reaffirmed the excellent relationship between Singapore and France as both sides marked the 55th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations in 2020. They discussed how both countries are strong advocates for multilateralism, free trade and a rules-based international order, and have maintained high-level exchanges and cooperation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They also explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in the digital and economic spheres. With France recently becoming an ASEAN Development Partner, SMS Chee welcomed its efforts to deepen engagement in the region.
SMS Chee and Minister-delegate Riester agreed on the framework of a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL). Both Singapore and France are actively working towards implementing an RGL as soon as possible to facilitate essential short-term business and official travel, with necessary health safeguards in place.
Minister-delegate Riester also met Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Transport Dr Amy Khor and Chairman of the Land Transport Authority Alan Chan, as well as held discussions with members of the French and Singapore business communities.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 DECEMBER 2020