MFA Press Statement: Visit of Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed to Cape Town, South Africa, 1 - 4 April 2008

Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed visited Cape Town, South Africa, from 1 to 4 April 2008. This was the final leg of his tour of Africa that also included visits to Rwanda and Angola.

The Premier of Western Cape Ebrahim Rasool hosted SMS Zainul and his delegation to a lunch. Both leaders welcomed stronger relations between Western Cape and Singapore, and briefed each other on developments in their respective regions. They also exchanged views on latest developments in the Islamic world including policies on inter-racial and inter-religious harmony. On the recent release of the Dutch film, "Fitna", Premier Rasool commented that reactions from the mainstream Muslim world were generally "mature" and that extremist quarters were not able to exploit the issue.

During the visit, SMS Zainul also met the President and senior members of the Muslim Judicial Council, Islamic scholars and businessmen. Many of them, with historical links to Southeast Asia, expressed interest in linking up with academic and religious institutions as well as business groups in Singapore.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
6 APRIL 2008