MFA Press Statement: Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo to the Slovak Republic, 9 April 2008

Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo visited the Slovak Republic on 9 April 2008 where he met President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ján Kubiš and Deputy Speaker of the National Council Miroslav Čiž.

Minister Yeo called on President Gašparovič who briefed him on the domestic developments in the Slovak Republic, including the range of economic opportunities available to Singapore businesses. They discussed the growing Singapore-Slovak Republic relationship and both sides expressed their desire for closer cooperation.

Minister Yeo met with and was hosted to dinner by his counterpart Minister Kubiš. On expanding bilateral ties, Minister Yeo noted that Singapore shared a kindred spirit with the Slovak Republic since both were small countries. As relations were problem-free, Minister Yeo said the main task at hand was to increase awareness among Singapore businessmen on the many investment opportunities in the Slovak Republic. Minister Kubiš shared that the Slovak Republic was one of the most dynamic economies in the EU, and the twin cities of Bratislava and Vienna provided good air and rail connectivity to Eastern European markets. The Foreign Ministers agreed that as both nations were regional hubs, there was scope for joint investments in third countries of the respective regions. Minister Yeo also updated Minister Kubiš on the ASEAN Charter. They discussed a range of topics including developments in Asia and Europe, the growth of China and India, Russia's relations with Europe, and the US Presidential elections. Minister Kubiš also accepted Minister Yeo's invitation to visit Singapore.

Minister Yeo also took the opportunity to meet with Deputy Speaker of the National Council Čiž, who proposed cooperation in the fields of science, education and culture, as well as parliamentary exchanges as means to further enhance bilateral relations.

The Singapore delegation will depart for the Czech Republic today.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
10 APRIL 2008