MFA Press Statement: State Visit by President Francois Hollande, the French Republic, 26 to 27 March 2017

            President of the French Republic François Hollande, who is on a State Visit to Singapore, received an official welcome at the Istana today.  Following the ceremony, President Hollande called on President Tony Tan Keng Yam. 

               President Tan and President Hollande reaffirmed the excellent ties between Singapore and France, which is based on strong trust between both countries.  They took stock of the broad-based bilateral cooperation between both countries in areas such as trade, defence, culture, security, as well as education and research.  They welcomed the strengthening of ties in these areas, and the expansion on cooperation in areas such as innovation.  They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, and agreed on the importance of free trade and countries remaining outward looking.

               President Tan will host a State Banquet this evening.

               On 27 March 2017, President Hollande will meet and be hosted to lunch by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.  In addition, President Hollande will inaugurate the Singapore-France Innovation Forum, launch a joint venture between CMA-CGM and PSA, and deliver the 40^th Singapore Lecture on “France and Singapore, Strategic Partners in a Fast-Changing World”.  He will also visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens where an orchid will be named in his honour.

.    .    .    .    .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

26 MARCH 2017