MFA Press Statement: Meetings between President S R Nathan and His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China, and His Excellency Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, 18 August 2010

President S R Nathan called on President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao this afternoon. During the meeting, President expressed his condolence for the tragic loss of lives and the destruction caused by the landslide in Zhouqu County in Gansu Province. President Nathan and President Hu reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral relations between Singapore and China, which had grown from strength to strength since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990. They discussed the good progress which had been achieved in the four pillars of cooperation that were proposed by then-Vice President Hu when he visited in Singapore in 2002. Both leaders agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation on all fronts, especially in the areas of bilateral economic cooperation and human resource development. Both leaders also discussed regional developments and the common challenges faced in an increasingly globalised world. President Nathan also reiterated Singapore's one-China policy.

President also met with and was hosted to dinner by Chairman of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference Jia Qinglin. President and Chairman Jia reaffirmed the close bilateral cooperation between Singapore and China. Both leaders also exchanged views on areas of mutual interest, including sustainable development and maintaining racial and religious harmony, and how the two countries could further strengthen cooperation.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
18 AUGUST 2010