MFA Press Statement: State Visit to Singapore by the President of the Republic of Armenia His Excellency Serzh Sargsyan, 27-29 March 2012

The President of the Republic of Armenia Mr Serzh Sargsyan, who is in Singapore on a State Visit, was officially welcomed by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at a ceremony at the Istana this morning. Following the ceremony, President Sargsyan paid a courtesy call on President Tan and met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

During the meetings, the leaders reaffirmed the friendly bilateral relations, noting that Armenia and Singapore would be commemorating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. They also exchanged views on developments in their respective regions. President Tan and PM Lee paid tribute to the contributions made by the Armenian community to Singapore's early development.

After their meeting, President Sargsyan and PM Lee witnessed the signing of the MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Culture, which aims to foster greater intercultural cooperation and understanding between Armenia and Singapore, and an agreement on the terms of mutual waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The agreements were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Mr Edward Nalbandian and Minister for Transport and Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Mr Lui Tuck Yew.

President Sargsyan had a new orchid hybrid named after him at the National Orchid Garden, the Kiattanara Serzh Sargsyan, thus following in the footsteps of an Armenian resident in Singapore, Ms Agnes Joaquim, after whom Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, was named.

President Sargsyan also attended a business networking luncheon hosted by the Singapore Business Federation.

This evening, President Tan will host a State Banquet in honour of President Sargsyan.

On 29 March 2012, President Sargsyan will visit the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator and meet with members of the Armenian community in Singapore. He will depart for Armenia later that day.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
28 MARCH 2012