MFA Press Statement: Official Visit Of Minister For Foreign Affairs George Yeo To The Islamic Republic Of Iran, 5-8 November 2010

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo visited Qom and Isfahan in Iran on 5 - 6 November 2010. In Qom, Minister Yeo met Governor-General Mohammad Hossein Mousapour on 5 November 2010. Governor-General Mousapour briefed Minister on the developments on Qom, and its importance as a centre for Shia Islamic learning. Minister Yeo and Governor-General Mousapour discussed ways to strengthen the relationship between Singapore and Qom in various fields such as trade, education and cultural exchanges. Governor-General Mousapour also hosted Minister Yeo to a lunch.

Minister Yeo also met Grand Ayatollah Mahmood Hashemi Shahroudi while in Qom. Minister Yeo and Ayatollah Shahroudi discussed the role of faith and Islam in Iran, especially among the young people. Ayatollah Shahroudi, who was the former Head of the Iranian Judiciary, has a standing invitation to visit Singapore.

In Qom, Minister also visited the Grand Library of Ayatollah al-Uzma Marashi Najafi, which has the third largest collection of Islamic manuscripts in the world.

In Isfahan, Minister met Governor-General Alireza Zaker Esfahani. Governor-General Esfahani briefed Minister on the history of Isfahan, as well as the developments in the city. Minister Yeo and Governor-General Esfahani also discussed ways on strengthening economic, cultural and educational ties between Singapore and Isfahan.

Minister Yeo met the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, and was hosted to a meal by Governor-General Esfahani on 6 November 2010. Minister Yeo will travel to Tehran for bilateral meetings, and to attend the 9th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting.

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
6 NOVEMBER 2010