Speech by George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and MP for Aljunied GRC, at the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival Celebration Dinner, 6 Oct 2006

SPEECH BY GEORGE YEO, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND MP FOR ALJUNIED GRC, AT THE MID-AUTUMN LANTERN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION DINNER ON 6 OCT 06 AT 8.00 PM

Grassroots Leaders

Dear Friends

1. I am delighted to join all of you this evening for the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. We have a beautiful full moon this evening. We can see its romantic reflection on the surface of Bedok Reservoir near us.

2. The autumn moon reminds us that another year has passed. In the last year, many changes have taken place in the world. Although the world economy has improved, oil prices reached an all-time high raising the cost of living for everyone. The war in Lebanon caused great destruction and human suffering. The Middle East remains polically very unstable. Nearer home, a coup has recently taken place in Bangkok. Just three weeks ago, I was talking to Prime Minister Thaksin in Cuba during the meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement. He was very confident. A few days later, he was deposed. Life is full of surprises.

3. Here in Singapore, we have to look after each other. Although our economy has done well, some Singaporeans still face difficulties. A few don't have jobs; some suffer from poor health. We must help them and their children. So long as our economy continues to grow, we will have the resources to help those who are less fortunate. The recent World Bank/IMF meeting in Singapore was a great success. Singaporeans from all walks of life made a special effort to welcome the visitors. They left with a good impression of us. This is good for our reputation. When I was in Panama last month, the Chinese community there hosted me to dinner. Panama has quite a few Chinese people. Some went there in the 19th century to help build the railroad linking the Atlantic to the Pacific before the canal was built. Others emigrated there in more recent times. The Chinese in Panama had a very high regard for Singapore and gave me and members of my delegation a very warm welcome. We have a very good international reputation.

4. We have to preserve this reputation. It is advantageous to us. I thank all of you here for your strong support. By working together, we can make our society more caring and more beautiful year by year. I wish everyone a Happy Mid-Autumn and the very best of health.

外交部长暨阿裕尼集选区国会议员
杨荣文在中秋联欢晚宴上讲话全文

日期: 2006年10月6日
时间: 晚上8时

各位基层领袖、各位朋友

1. 我非常高兴，今晚能和大家一起庆祝中秋节。今晚的圆月非常美丽。在勿洛蓄水池的湖面，我们还可以看到圆月美妙的倒影。

2. 这轮秋月提醒我们，一年又过去了。过去的这一年里，世界各地发生了不少变化。尽管全球经济已好转，但是油价高涨,导致大家的生活费也跟着提高。黎巴嫩的战 争不只带来了巨大破坏，也使百姓受尽痛苦。中东的政治局势还是非常不稳定的。最近，曼谷也发生了政变。三个星期前，在古巴举行的不结盟运动会议上， 我还同达信首相交谈。他当时显得非常自信。但几天后，他就被免职了。人生就是如此变化无常。

3. 在新加坡，我们必须互相照顾、互相扶持。尽管我们的经济表现良好，但还是有一些国人身陷困境。他们有些是没有工作，有一些则体弱多病。我们必须帮助他们和 他们的孩子。只要我们的经济持续增长，我们就有资源帮助比较不幸的一群。最近在新加坡举行的世界银行和国际货币基金会大会，非常成功。我们各阶层的国人都 作出努力，欢迎这些贵宾。贵宾们都对我们留下非常好的印象。这将提高我们的声誉。上个月，我到巴拿马访问。那里的华人社群设宴招待我。巴拿马有不少华人。 十九世纪时，在巴拿马运河还没兴建前，就已经有些华人到巴拿马协助建造连接大西洋和太平洋的铁路。到了后期，也有华人移民到巴拿马。在巴拿马的华人对新加 坡有很高的评价。他们热烈欢迎我和我的团员。我们的国际声誉是非常好的。

4. 我们必须维护我们的良好声誉。因为它对我们是非常有利的。我要感谢在座的各位给予我强有力的支持。只要大家同心协力，我们就能打造一个更温馨、更美丽的社会。我祝大家中秋节快乐、身体健康。