MFA Press Statement: Meeting Between Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and UN Secretary General's Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari, 3 October 2007

The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari is passing through Singapore following his recent visit to Myanmar. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in Singapore's capacity as ASEAN Chair, received a courtesy call by Mr Gambari. Mr Lee exchanged views with Mr Gambari on his visit to Myanmar, where he had met the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Mr Lee was encouraged by the access and cooperation given by the Myanmar government to Mr Gambari.

Mr Lee had earlier discussed the developments in Myanmar with the other ASEAN leaders. Mr Lee told Mr Gambari that ASEAN is fully behind his mission to help all parties involved in Myanmar work towards a political solution for national reconciliation and a peaceful transition to democracy. Singapore has conveyed these views to Myanmar leaders, and has called on Myanmar to continue keeping its channels open to the UN. Mr Lee also encouraged Mr Gambari to press on with the UN's efforts, which offer the best hope for Myanmar and its people.

Mr Gambari also met Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo. They had a fruitful exchange of views on developments in Myanmar.