MFA Press Statement: Working Visit by His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, 29 to 30 August 2016

“Call by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 30 August 2016.” Photos: Ministry of Communications and Information

“Call by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 30 August 2016.” Photos: Ministry of Communications and Information

“Lunch hosted by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 29 August 2016.” Photo: Ministry of Communications and Information

“Call by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 29 August 2016.” Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations toasting to NEWater at the Marina Barrage. Accompanying him was Mr Ng Joo Hee, Chief Executive of PUB, Singapore’s national water agency.” Photo: PUB, Singapore’s national water agency

                United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today.  They exchanged views on global and regional developments as well as security issues.  Prime Minister Lee expressed appreciation for Mr Ban’s strong and consistent support for small states during his tenure as Secretary-General. 

                President Tony Tan Keng Yam, in his capacity as National University of Singapore (NUS) Chancellor, conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters upon Mr Ban in a ceremony at the Istana this afternoon.  Following the ceremony, President Tan hosted Mr and Mrs Ban to lunch.

                On 29 August, Mr Ban was hosted to lunch by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.  They had a fruitful discussion on developments in the region and issues like sustainable development.  In addition, Mr Ban met Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.  Minister Balakrishnan reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to work with the United Nations to help other developing countries build capacity and implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

                During the visit, Mr Ban delivered the 8^th Lecture in Singapore Management University’s Ho Rih Hwa Leadership in Asia Public Lecture Series.  Mr Ban praised Singapore’s achievements and noted that Singapore ranks highly in global lists that measure human development and gender equality. Singapore has also been a leader in sustainable urbanisation and the use of cutting edge innovation in areas ranging from energy efficiency to waste management.  Mr Ban thanked Singapore for its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and its Global Centre for Public Service Excellence to help developing countries enhance human capital and build capacity.

                Reflecting on his visit, Mr Ban said “Singapore is a shining example of how a small State can have a big impact and has always been a key partner of the United Nations.  I believe that the leaders of this great country and its people will continue to work with the United Nations towards advancing sustainable development, world peace and security.”

                Mr Ban also visited the Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay, where he was briefed on Singapore’s water and sustainable development policies.  Mr Ban concludes his working visit to Singapore today.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

30 AUGUST 2016