MFA Press Statement: Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Julia Gillard, calls on Acting President J Y Pillay and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 23 April 2012

The Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Julia Gillard,
who is in Singapore for an official visit, called on Acting President
J Y Pillay and met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today. Prime
Minister Lee and Mrs Lee also hosted an official dinner in honour of
Prime Minister Gillard and Mr Tim Mathieson.

During their respective meetings with Prime Minister
Gillard, Acting President Pillay and Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed the
warm and close relations between Singapore and Australia, which are
underpinned by shared strategic interests. In this regard, they
agreed to explore ways to enhance bilateral interactions and economic
ties between both countries. As a testament to the close and
longstanding defence ties between our two countries, Prime Minister
Gillard indicated that Australia would be extending the agreement that
provides the Republic of Singapore Air Force with continued access to
training facilities in Oakey, Queensland. Prime Minister Gillard and
Prime Minister Lee also had an exchange of views on regional
developments and international security issues and noted the
cooperation enjoyed by both countries at regional and international
forums.

. . . . .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
23 APRIL 2012