MFA Press Statement: State Visit by President Tony Tan Keng Yam to the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic from 8 to 14 Jan 2017

                   President Tony Tan Keng Yam will make a back-to-back State Visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 8 to 11 January 2017 at the invitation of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 11 to 14 January 2017 at the invitation of Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith.  President Tan will visit Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia, and Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos. The visits reaffirm Singapore’s warm and longstanding relations with both countries. 

                 In Cambodia, President Tan will receive a ceremonial welcome, have an audience with and be hosted to a Royal Banquet by His Majesty King Sihamoni.  President will also have an audience with Her Majesty Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath and meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen.  Two Memoranda of Understanding on vocational training and healthcare will be signed during the State Visit.  President Tan will attend a reception for the overseas Singaporean community in Phnom Penh.  He will also visit Calmette Hospital, where Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Temasek Foundation International are assisting to improve the skills of Cambodian doctors and nurses in trauma and resuscitation.  In Siem Reap, President Tan will visit Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple, and be hosted to dinner by Siem Reap Province Governor Khim Bun Song.

                 In Laos, President Tan will receive a ceremonial welcome, call on and be hosted to a State Banquet by President Bounnhang.  Prime Minister Dr Thongloun Sisoulith will also meet President Tan.  President Tan will visit the Lao University of Health Sciences (UHS), where the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) are assisting Laos to upgrade its Physiotherapy Education Programme.  A Lao translation of the book “From Third World to First – The Singapore Story: 1965 – 2000” by Mr Lee Kuan Yew will also be launched during the State Visit.  President Tan will also visit the That Luang national stupa and attend a reception for the overseas Singaporean community in Vientiane.  In Luang Prabang, President will meet the Governor of Luang Prabang Khamkhan Chanthavisouk and visit the Royal Palace Museum. 

                 President Tan will be accompanied by Mrs Mary Tan, Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State for Manpower Teo Ser Luck, Members of Parliament Lee Bee Wah and Darryl David, and officials from the President’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health. 

                 During President Tan’s absence, Mr J Y Pillay, Chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers, will exercise the functions of the office of the President.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

7 JANUARY 2017