MFA Press Statement: Visit of Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Community Development, Youth and Sports Mr Sam Tan to Rome, Italy (26-28 September 2011)

During his visit to Rome from 26 to 28 September 2011, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Community Development, Youth and Sports Mr Sam Tan held separate meetings with Italian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Ms Stefania Craxi and senior officials at the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to discuss how to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Italy across different sectors, including two-way trade and investments, research and development, taxation issues and arts and culture. Mr Tan was also briefed on Italy's perspectives on the ongoing crisis in the Eurozone at these meetings.

In addition, at his meetings with Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies Mr Rocco Buttiglione, Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies' Foreign Affairs Committee Mr Stefano Stefani and President of the Senate's Association of Friends of China Senator Giuseppe Menardi, Mr Tan explored the possibility of strengthening contacts between Singapore and the two chambers of the Italian Parliament.

Mr Tan will proceed today to Milan to attend the second session of the World Regions Forum hosted by Lombardy. He will also call on the President of the Lombardy Region Mr Roberto Formigoni.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
29 SEPTEMBER 2011