MFA Press Statement: State Visit to Singapore by President of the Republic of Belarus His Excellency Aleksandr Lukashenko, 20 to 21 March 2013

                     The President of the Republic of Belarus, Mr Aleksandr Lukashenko, who is in Singapore on a State Visit from 20 to 21 March 2013, was officially welcomed by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana earlier this evening.  After the ceremony, President Lukashenko called on President Tan and met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.  Following the meetings, President Tan hosted a State Banquet in honour of President Lukashenko.

                    During the meetings, the leaders reaffirmed the friendly bilateral relations between Singapore and Belarus.  The leaders agreed that, as small countries, Singapore and Belarus share many common interests and should work closely together, including at international forums such as the United Nations and the Forum of Small States.  The leaders also discussed ways in which the two countries can further strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, culture, and people-to-people ties.

                   Earlier today, in conjunction with the State Visit, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Vladimir Makei and Minister in Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Grace Fu signed the Agreement on the Mutual Waiver of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports.  The Singapore-Belarus Business Forum will be held tomorrow.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

21 MARCH 2013