MFA/MinLaw Press Statement: VISIT OF DR KAMIL IDRIS, DIRECTOR GENERAL, WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION, 12-14 MARCH 2006

Dr Kamil Idris, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), will visit Singapore from 12 to 14 March 2006 at the joint invitation of Deputy Prime Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law Prof S Jayakumar and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr George Yeo. Dr Idris will come as a guest under the United Nations Distinguished Visitors Programme. Dr Idris' visit will also coincide with the opening of the WIPO Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of a Revised Trademark Law Treaty, which will take place in Singapore from 13 to 31 March 2006.

The UN Distinguished Visitors Programme invites outstanding individuals linked to the United Nations system to visit Singapore. The UN system includes 14 independent "specialised agencies", among them the World Intellectual Property Organization, which has wide-ranging international responsibilities in the field of intellectual property rights.

The UN Distinguished Visitor will have the opportunity to meet and forge links with leading Singapore personalities. The Visitor will be able to develop a better understanding of the factors behind Singapore's economic and social development, and at the same time give decision makers in Singapore a better appreciation of issues and developments that affect their areas of interest.

During his visit, Dr Idris will call on Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong and meet with Deputy Prime Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law Prof S Jayakumar, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr George Yeo, Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Lim Hng Kiang and Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts Dr Lee Boon Yang. He will also visit the WIPO Singapore Office and the Biopolis.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF LAW
SINGAPORE
10 MARCH 2006