MFA Press Statement: Official Visit by Prime Minister of the French Republic His Excellency Jean-Marc Ayrault, 18 to 19 October 2012

The Prime Minister of the French Republic, His Excellency Jean-Marc Ayrault will make an official visit to Singapore from 18 to 19 October 2012 at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Prime Minister Ayrault will be accompanied by his wife Mrs Brigitte Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Trade Mrs Nicole Bricq, Minister Delegate for French Nationals Abroad Mrs Hélène Conway-Mouret, French Members of Parliament, senior officials and a business delegation.

There will be an official welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Ayrault and Mrs Ayrault at the Istana on 18 October. Following the welcome ceremony, Prime Minister Ayrault will make a courtesy call on President Tony Tan, and meet with Prime Minister Lee. Prime Minister Lee and Mrs Lee will host an Official Dinner in honour of Prime Minister Ayrault and Mrs Ayrault. In addition, Prime Minister Lee and Prime Minister Ayrault will sign a “Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Singapore and France”. This declaration highlights the close relationship between the two countries, and their role in promoting closer Asia-Europe engagement.

During his time here, Prime Minister Ayrault will deliver a public lecture on “France, Europe and Asia: New Perspectives and Opportunities” at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Together with Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Lim Hng Kiang and Minister Bricq, Prime Minister Ayrault will also meet about 70 business representatives from France and Singapore at the French-Singaporean Business Meeting. The discussion will focus on the development of the economic relations between France and Singapore. Prime Minister Ayrault is also scheduled to take a tour of the Sports Hub.

Prime Minister and Mrs Ayrault will host a reception for the French community resident in Singapore. Mrs Ayrault will also visit the National Orchid Garden, where an orchid hybrid will be named in their honour.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
17 OCTOBER 2012