MFA Press Statement: Visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Mrs Doris Leuthard to Singapore, 9 July 2010

Mrs Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, who is on a one-day working visit to Singapore met with President S R Nathan and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at the Istana today.

President Leuthard and President Nathan reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations enjoyed by both countries. They also exchanged views on a broad range of international issues such as the euro zone debt crisis, the global financial crisis and religious tolerance and harmony. The two leaders also agreed that Singapore and Switzerland could share our experience and knowledge to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in the research and development industry.

President Leuthard and SM Goh exchanged views on bilateral relations between Singapore and Switzerland, and the common challenges faced by the two countries. They also discussed recent developments in Asia and Europe.

President Leuthard also met with Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and visited the One-North Gallery. In the evening, she will attend a Business Forum Dinner organised by the Swiss Embassy. She leaves Singapore on 10 July 2010.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
9 JULY 2010