Transcript of Remarks by Singapore Foreign Minister Prof S Jayakumar and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Singapore, 25 Jul 2003

The following is the transcript of remarks made to the media after the signing ceremony for the renewal and expansion of the Reciprocal Training Programme between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore:

Minister Jayakumar:

I am very happy that Minister Li was able to visit Singapore, the reason being that he was recently appointed Foreign Minister, and I can imagine how busy a schedule he has.

In fact, both of us were in Bali for the Asia Europe Meeting and that he can come to Singapore is something that we appreciate; it shows the close relations we have with China. It is a relationship that we value. It is underpinned by strong economic cooperation, as well as by high-level exchanges of discussions between ministers.

We have just signed the (renewal of) agreement on Reciprocal Training, which in itself indicates the kind of cooperation we have between both countries.

This morning, we had an excellent discussion on our relationship as well as further areas for cooperation. And once again, I want to welcome Minister Li to Singapore.

Minister Li:

Thank you. To begin with, I really have got nothing to add to what my colleague and dear friend Minister Jaya has already told you. I share his reading, his picture of the very good bilateral relationship, marked with sincere friendship and effective cooperation.

Already, Singapore is the biggest trading partner with China among the ASEAN countries, as Singapore already is the biggest investor in China among, again, the ASEAN countries.

The relationship is strong and with our joint efforts, will be stronger, and this is the whole purpose of my being here, upon the invitation of my friend. So let's all work together for an even stronger friendship between the two peoples, and for an even more fruitful cooperation of the two sides. Thank you very much.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 JULY 2003