MFA Press Statement: Visit of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Perth, Australia for the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM), 28 October 2011

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is in Perth, Australia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), took the opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual interest with his counterparts from Commonwealth member countries. PM had separate meetings with his counterparts from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Maldives on 28 October.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina updated PM on the Bangladeshi economy. Prime Minister Hasina briefed PM on the status of infrastructure development in Bangladesh and invited Singapore businesses to invest in Bangladesh. Both leaders agreed that education and capacity building were key to a country's economic progress, and that Singapore and Bangladesh should enhance cooperation in these areas.

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa briefed PM on the status of his country's national reconciliation process. PM noted that this process would take time and encouraged the Sri Lankan government to remain committed to building lasting peace and harmony.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani thanked PM for Singapore's humanitarian assistance during the heavy floods in Pakistan in 2010. Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral trade and investment links.

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed briefed PM on the economic developments in his country. President Nasheed thanked Singapore for providing training opportunities for Maldivian officials under the Singapore Cooperation Programme. Both leaders exchanged views on the challenges of climate change, particularly its impact on small island states.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
28 OCTOBER 2011