MFA Press Statement: Visit of Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed to Senegal, 24 - 28 April 2008

Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed called on President of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar on 25 April 2008. President Wade briefed SMS Zainul on Senegal's economic progress, its development plans and its emerging potential as an investment destination. The President, who also chairs the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), explained that Senegal was looked upon by the organisation's members as a model Muslim state due to its stable and tolerant Muslim-majority. President Wade briefed SMS Zainul on the recent OIC Leaders' Summit in Dakar and Senegal's plans to host a world summit on interfaith dialogue. He also expressed interest in benefiting from Singapore's experience of good governance and manpower development, including its programmes for life-long learning.

SMS Zainul also met with Prime Minister Cheikh Hadjibou Soumaré, Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio and Minister of Culture and Historic Heritage Birame Diouf. SMS Zainul sought the views of the Senegalese leaders on world power interests and competition in Senegal and Africa.

SMS Zainul invited Senegal to participate more actively in the programmes offered under the Singapore Cooperation Programme. He also urged the Senegalese leaders to send trade missions to Singapore to increase awareness among Singapore businesses of the opportunities in Senegal and West Africa. While in Senegal, SMS Zainul will visit several mosques and community leaders to understand the Sufi way of Islamic practice, as well as Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historical slave trade.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
27 APRIL 2008