MFA Press Statement: Official Visit by Prime Minister of the Netherlands, H.E. Dr Jan Peter Balkenende, 22 - 24 October 2009

At the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands will be making an official visit to Singapore on 22-24 October 2009. Accompanying Prime Minister Balkenende will be Minister for Culture, Education and Science Dr Ronald Plasterk, Minister of Economic Affairs Mrs Maria Van der Hoeven and other members of the Innovation Platform. The Innovation Platform, which is chaired by Prime Minister Balkenende, aims to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.

This will be the first official visit to Singapore by Dr Balkenende in his capacity as Prime Minister. He will pay a courtesy call on President S R Nathan, and also meet and be hosted to lunch by Prime Minister Lee.

Prime Minister Balkenende will visit the Headquarters SAF Medical Corps, the Marina Barrage, and the site of the Aquatic Science Centre, which is a joint research initiative among the National University of Singapore, the Public Utilities Board, and the Dutch delta research institute Deltares. Prime Minister Balkenende and members of the Innovation Platform will also meet representatives of Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council as well as EDB for briefings and discussions. In addition, Prime Minister Balkenende will deliver the 30th Singapore Lecture entitled "Towards New Global Partnerships - Economics, Governance, Values". Prime Minister Balkenende and members of his delegation will also attend a luncheon with members of the Singapore Business Federation.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
21 OCTOBER 2009