MFA Press Statement: State Visit of His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic – Meetings with Singapore Leaders

His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, who is in Singapore on a State Visit, 9-12 November 2010, was welcomed by President S R Nathan at a ceremony this morning at the Istana. Following the ceremony, President Bongo met President Nathan, after which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong called on President Bongo.

The leaders reaffirmed the friendly relations between Singapore and Gabon. President Bongo briefed President, PM and SM on economic and political developments in Gabon, as well as in western and central Africa. He highlighted the country's economic diversification programme and expressed an interest in attracting foreign investments, including that from Singapore. The leaders from both countries also discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and to raise mutual awareness between Singapore and Gabon. In this regard, International Enterprise Singapore and Singapore Business Federation jointly hosted a business roundtable session to introduce Singapore companies to opportunities in Gabon.

Earlier in the day, an orchid was named in honour of President Bongo and the First Lady, Mrs Sylvia Bongo. Tomorrow, President Bongo will visit Jurong Port, Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), Civil Service College (CSC), Temasek Holdings, and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). President Bongo and his delegation depart Singapore on 14 November 2010.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
10 NOVEMBER 2010