MFA Press Statement: Visit by Secretary-General of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) Party of France, Mayor of Meaux and Co-Chairman of the France-Singapore Forum Jean-François Copé, 12 - 13 February 2012

The Secretary-General of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) Party of France, Mayor of Meaux and co-chairman of the France-Singapore Forum, Mr Jean-François Copé visited Singapore from 12 to 13 February 2012.

Mr Copé called on Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong on 13 February 2012. Prime Minister Lee and Mr Copé reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations between Singapore and France, and exchanged views on recent developments in France and Europe. Mr Copé also called on Minister for Transport, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and co-chairman of the France-Singapore Forum, Mr Lui Tuck Yew on 13 February 2012. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two co-chairmen of the France-Singapore Forum to reconnect after the inaugural Forum was held in Paris in October 2009. They had wide ranging discussions on bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments.

Mr Copé and members of the Advisory Committee to the France-Singapore Forum were hosted to a dinner by Minister of State (MOS) for Defence and Education Mr Lawrence Wong on 12 February 2012. MOS Wong, Mr Copé and the guests had a broad exchange of views on global issues of interest during the dinner.

While in Singapore, Mr Copé also gave a lunchtime speech at the INSEAD Asia Campus on "Europe's Competitivity" on 13 February 2012.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 FEBRUARY 2012