MFA Press Statement: Minister George Yeo's Call on Cambodian DPM Hor Namhong

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo arrived in Phnom Penh today for an official visit at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong. During Minister Yeo's call on DPM Hor Namhong, bilateral and regional issues were discussed.

On bilateral relations, both reaffirmed the excellent state of relations. DPM Hor Namhong thanked Singapore for our training institute in Phnom Penh and our technical assistance to Cambodia, which has to-date trained close to 4,000 Cambodian officials.

On the proposed visit of Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid to Myanmar as ASEAN's envoy, both agreed that the visit should take place soon and that it should be a substantive one.

They also affirmed the importance of ASEAN's integration efforts and noted that the early completion of the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link project would benefit the region. Both Minister Yeo and DPM Hor Namhong stressed the importance of the work of the ASEAN Charter Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) in deepening and broadening cooperation among ASEAN countries. Minister Yeo also reiterated our commitment to the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) aimed at bridging the development gap within ASEAN. Both Minister Yeo and DPM Hor Namhong had an exchange of views on how we could bring the meaning of ASEAN closer to people in the region. On the East Asia Summit (EAS), both agreed that it was important for ASEAN to be clear of its long-term interests.

Minister Yeo also expressed Singapore's support for Cambodia's early inclusion in APEC and its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2013-2014. DPM Hor Namhong expressed Cambodia's gratitude for Singapore's support. DPM Hor Namhong also hosted Minister Yeo and the delegation to dinner.

Earlier in the morning, Minister Yeo visited a power plant in Phnom Penh being built by Singapore company, Colben Energy (Cambodia) Limited. In the evening, Minister Yeo also called on President of the National Assembly Prince Norodom Ranariddh. They had a warm and friendly exchange of views.

Tomorrow, Minister Yeo will call on His Majesty King Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen and other senior Cambodian leaders.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
23 JANUARY 2006