MFA Press Statement: Visit by President of the French Senate, Mr Christian Poncelet, 20 - 22 March 2007

Mr Christian Poncelet, President of the French Senate, who is visiting Singapore with a delegation comprising three other French senators, called on President S R Nathan at the Istana at 2.30 pm today.

During the call, President Nathan and Mr Poncelet noted the excellent bilateral relations and longstanding cooperation which Singapore and France enjoyed and our shared perspectives on many global issues. They also noted the similar approach that France and Singapore has in dealing with other countries, based on dialogue and aimed at achieving peace and cooperation. They agreed on the need to speak out clearly against those who are out to destroy harmony in our society.

President shared with Mr Poncelet the progress that ASEAN has made since its inception, the challenges that the region has faced, and ASEAN's aspiration to realise a community by 2015. Noting that 2007 marks the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations, they valued the importance of this dialogue relationship.

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 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
21 MARCH 2007