MFA Press Statement: Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo to The People's Republic of China

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo, who is in Lhasa, Tibet, on an official visit, had a good meeting with Deputy Party Secretary of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and Executive Vice Chairman of the TAR Government Mr Hao Peng this evening, which was followed by dinner.

Hao briefed Minister Yeo on the political, economic and cultural situation in Tibet. In the last 50 years, Tibet had made enormous progress. The main priorities were now on economic development, as well as environmental and cultural protection. On economic development, Tibet's infrastructure was improving dramatically. Two more airports would be opened in addition to the existing three, all with extra long runways because of the high altitude.

Minister Yeo said that Singapore's relations with China were excellent and that he expected Singapore's relations with Tibet to grow with the improved connectivity, remarking that Lhasa was closer to Singapore than to Beijing. Minister Yeo expressed the hope that there would be direct flights between Singapore and Lhasa one day. Hao asked for Singapore's assistance and participation in the development of Tibet's tourism industry and in urban management.

Hao briefed Minister Yeo on ethnic relations in Tibet, touching specifically on the March 14 riots last year. Minister Yeo replied that he was glad to be able to see Tibet for himself. He added that he understood the challenges of ethnic diversity in Tibet, recalling Singapore's own experience in managing a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. It was natural for there to be problems in multi-ethnic societies. What was important was for these problems to be managed well taking into account ethnic sensitivities. Minister Yeo said that he was impressed by China's great investment in developing Tibet, especially over the last 30 years.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
22 AUGUST 2009