Transcript of Comments by Minister George Yeo during a Door-Stop Interview with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the French Republic Bernard Kouchner in Paris on 20 Jan 2009

Minister Yeo: I would like to thank Bernard for his strong support for this agreement which we have just signed. It adds something special to a relationship that is already very broad and deep; not only political and economic, but also in the defence field, in science and technology and now the dessert - the icing on the cake - the cultural agreement. We believe profoundly that a stronger French presence in Singapore can only enhance Singapore and the greater the reflection of France in Singapore, the more we will sparkle. We believe that the radiation of French civilisation into an Asia that is transforming remarkarbly is in the interest of Singapore and of the region, and we believe it will also be in the interest of France. Therefore, looked at from any angle, a stronger, more strategic relationship between France and Singapore and can only redound to the benefits of both sides. Bernard and I we have know each other for many years. Many years ago he hosted me as Health Minister in a different part of Paris and we have been meeting here and there in various parts of the world and always sharing common perspectives on many issues. We discussed, just recently, the importance of combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden. We are very grateful to French leadership in this area and many other areas in world affairs which has made a difference. I told him that Singapore looks forward to working with France and other countries in efforts to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Thank you.

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