MFA Press Statement: State Visit to Singapore by the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, 14-17 February 2012

The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, paid a courtesy call on President Tony Tan Keng Yam and met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana today.

During the meetings, the leaders reaffirmed the friendly bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. They welcomed ongoing efforts to broaden the relationship in the areas of trade and investment, technical assistance and people-to-people ties.

In his meeting with President Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Lee reiterated Singapore's commitment to further bilateral cooperation and assist Sri Lanka in its post-conflict development. Prime Minister Lee told President Rajapaksa that Singapore was prepared to enhance the existing technical cooperation programmes to Sri Lanka under the Singapore Cooperation Programme. The enhancement would focus on the areas of human resource development and economic development. They include trade facilitation and promotion, and tourism and hospitality. President Rajapaksa expressed his appreciation for the offer to assist Sri Lanka in its developmental efforts. He also updated our leaders on post-conflict developments in Sri Lanka and the government's efforts towards seeking national reconciliation.

After their meeting, President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Lee witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on investment cooperation between the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and the Singapore Business Federation, aimed at facilitating investments between the two countries.

President Rajapaksa had an orchid named in his honour and visited the Marina Barrage where he was hosted by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan. This evening, President Tan will host President Rajapaksa to a State Banquet.

The following day, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen will pay a courtesy call on President Rajapaksa. Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing will host President Rajapaksa to a briefing on policies relating to community relations and social harmony.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
15 FEBRUARY 2012