11 Jul 2009
MFA Press Statement: Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo to the Syrian Arab Republic, 10 July 2009
During his official visit to Syria at the invitation of Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo made a day trip on 10 July 2009 to the ancient city of Aleppo. Minister Yeo's visit to Aleppo was at the invitation of the Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Dr Ahmad Bader Eddin Hassoun, whom he had met in Singapore in May this year.
While in Aleppo, Minister Yeo was warmly received by the Grand Mufti, who invited Minister to join him at his Friday Sermon at the Masjid Ar-Rawdah Shariff and to address the congregation. In his speech to the congregation following the Grand Mufti's Sermon, Minister Yeo spoke about the importance of our common humanity and respecting the diversity of human beings regardless of race or religion. (A video of this can be viewed at http://www.viddler.com/explore/mfasingapore/videos/3/)
Minister Yeo was then hosted to lunch by the Grand Mufti at his house where they exchanged views on a wide range of topics.
In the evening, the Grand Mufti accompanied Minister Yeo to visit the Armenian Catholic Church in Aleppo where they were hosted by the Archbishop Boutros Marayati. Minister Yeo also addressed the congregation. (A video of this can be viewed at http://www.viddler.com/explore/mfasingapore/videos/3/)
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
11 JULY 2009