Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat's Telephone Call with Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng, 31 July 2020

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat spoke with PRC Vice Premier Han Zheng via telephone on 31 July 2020.  Deputy Prime Minister Heng thanked Vice Premier Han for his congratulations on the result of the Singapore General Election on 10 July 2020.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng and Vice Premier Han affirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation to combat COVID-19, and agreed to expand collaboration in public health.  This will be a new area of cooperation under the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which is the apex bilateral platform between Singapore and China, co-chaired by the two leaders.  Such cooperation will include the development of diagnostics, vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.  Deputy Prime Minister Heng and Vice Premier Han affirmed the importance of ensuring that vaccines will be made available globally.  They also expressed appreciation for the mutual support and assistance between both countries during the pandemic.

Both leaders agreed that it was important to strengthen connectivity between both countries and with the rest of the world, in areas such as supply chain, financial, infrastructure and flight connectivity.  This will ensure the flow of goods, people and investments to facilitate economic recovery.

Both leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Singapore and China as both countries mark the 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.  They welcomed the continued progress that has been made in key bilateral projects despite the COVID-19 pandemic, such as our Government-to-Government and state-level projects, as well as cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.  Deputy Prime Minister Heng welcomed Vice Premier Han to visit Singapore for the JCBC Meeting when the COVID-19 situation permits.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

31 JULY 2020